Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): An ocean of black-clad devotees flooded the streets across Kashmir on Friday as Youm-e-Ashura was observed with profound grief, devotion and solemnity.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) men, women, children and elderly mourners joined Ashura processions, majalis and religious gatherings across the Valley, while historic Zuljinah procession at Zadibal in Srinagar witnessed one of its largest turnouts, with thousands of mourners marching from Imambara Gulshan Bagh to the revered Astan Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) at Zadibal in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and loyal companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The Zuljinah procession at the traditional route in Srinagar began at around 11 am, with the symbolic horse of Imam Hussain (AS) leading the mourners through the traditional route.
Echoes of “Ya Hussain” filled the air as devotees recited marsiyas and nohas, performed matam, carried black flags and alams and walked for several kilometres, many of them barefoot despite the summer heat as a mark of mourning and reverence.
People from different communities lined the procession route, while many watched from rooftops, balconies and roadsides. Volunteers continuously distributed water, milk and refreshments through dozens of sabeels set up across the route, symbolising the spirit of service and remembrance associated with Karbala.
Police personnel, health workers and sanitation staff were also seen interacting with volunteers at several points during the day.
The administration had put in place elaborate arrangements for the peaceful observance of Ashura. A multi-tier security grid was deployed along the procession route, while senior police and civil administration officers monitored arrangements on the ground.
Medical camps, ambulances, fire and emergency services, sanitation teams, municipal workers and drinking water facilities remained available throughout the day.
Traffic Police also enforced a comprehensive diversion plan across downtown Srinagar to facilitate the smooth movement of the procession. Traffic was diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal, Ali Masjid and other key junctions, while commuters were advised to use alternate routes through Sazgaripora, Zoonimar, Mallabagh, Awantabhawan Road and Ali Jan Road.
Heartwarming scenes were witnessed in different parts of the Valley. In Budgam, little children distributed water bottles to security personnel deployed on Ashura duty, drawing appreciation from locals.
At several places, volunteers extended refreshments not only to mourners but also to police personnel, healthcare workers and civic staff, reflecting the spirit of compassion and service.
LG SINHA JOINS ZULJINAH PROCESSION
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also joined the Zuljinah procession at Zadibal, where mourners presented him with a black armband as a mark of respect.
He offered a chaddar to Zuljinah, served refreshments among devotees, and paid tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), saying his supreme sacrifice remains an eternal guide for humanity and inspires generations to uphold truth, justice, compassion and selfless service. He also prayed for lasting peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
CM OMAR INTERACTS WITH MOURNERS
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also visited Zadibal along with his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq. The Chief Minister served water and milk at a sabeel set up by the National Conference, interacted with mourners and volunteers and appreciated their dedication.
The CM also visited the revered shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA), offered Fatihah and prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Moreover, Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also joined mourners during the Ashura observance and paid homage to the martyrs of Karbala. Senior officials, religious scholars and several public representatives were also present at different mourning gatherings and processions across the Valley.
‘WALKING WITH ZULJINAH MORE THAN A RITUAL’
A young mourner, Zubair Ali, said walking with Zuljinah is more than a ritual. “It is our tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his timeless message of justice, sacrifice and truth. Ashura teaches us to stand for truth, justice and humanity,” he said.
Another devotee, Ali Mohammad, said Ashura reminds people of patience, humanity and sacrifice. “Every year, this procession keeps the message of Karbala alive for future generations,” he said.
The historic procession culminated peacefully at Astan Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA), where thousands participated in majalis, mourning rituals and special prayers, bringing the day-long Ashura observance to a peaceful conclusion—(KNO)