Thousands of mourners participated in the 7th Muharram procession in Srinagar today, marking a deeply significant event for the Shia Muslim community. The procession, held under stringent security arrangements, passed off peacefully with devotion and discipline.
Known as the “Mehandi March,” the 7th Muharram procession is among the key observances leading up to Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the historic Battle of Karbala.
The procession commenced from the Shia-majority Hassanabad area and moved along its traditional route through Botraj Mohalla to Kathi Darwaza in the old city. Throughout the route, mourners—men, women, and children—took part in chest-beating (matam) and recited marsiya (elegiac poetry) to honor the courage and sacrifice of Imam Hussain.
One mourner shared, “This day reminds us of the moment when water was denied to Imam Hussain and his companions. Despite extreme thirst, they did not yield to tyranny. We gather to remember their resilience and faith.”
Another participant said, “Karbala is not just a story of martyrdom but a lesson in standing for truth, even in the face of death. Imam Hussain’s sacrifice is a message that lives on eternally.”
Along the route, local volunteers had set up refreshment stalls, offering water, tea, and light snacks to the mourners as a gesture of solidarity and service.
The procession included a majlis (religious gathering), where Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Chairman of Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, addressed the crowd. In his sermon, he commended the peaceful and organized nature of the event and expressed hope that the upcoming 8th and 10th Muharram processions would be conducted with similar grace.
Highlighting communal harmony, Ansari said, “In earlier times, even Kashmiri Pandits helped in organizing these processions. Some of them joined us today, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood that binds Kashmir.”
He added, “We are determined to carry forward the mission of Imam Hussain and are willing to sacrifice everything for the values of Islam.”
Ansari also extended gratitude to the civil administration and police for their seamless cooperation and arrangements, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
To maintain law and order, authorities had deployed additional police and paramilitary forces across sensitive points. The Traffic Police Department had implemented diversions from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM to manage vehicular movement and avoid congestion. Emergency medical support was provided by teams from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) stationed along the route.
The event concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and justice, as mourners dispersed peacefully, reaffirming their spiritual bond with the legacy of Karbala.
