Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): The spirit of selfless service and compassion was on full display across Srinagar’s Zadibal on Youm-e-Ashoora as hundreds of Sabeels (refreshment stalls), set up by traders, NGOs, charitable trusts, political parties, religious organisations and residents, served water, milk, juices and other refreshments to thousands of mourners.
The stalls remained operational throughout the day along the procession route, with volunteers working tirelessly to ensure that every mourner, volunteer, security personnel and passerby was offered refreshments.
Young volunteers, elderly residents and businessmen could be seen standing side by side at the stalls, welcoming mourners with water, milk, sherbet, tea and snacks despite the scorching heat. For many families, setting up a Sabeel has become an annual tradition, carried forward as a mark of respect for the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
Among the organisations, Ehsaas Foundation, headed by Zahoor Malik, organised its fourth consecutive Sabeel-e-Hussain, where hundreds of mourners were served refreshments throughout the day.
Malik, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said serving people on Youm-e-Ashoora is an honour and a message of humanity. “The teachings of Karbala inspire us to serve without discrimination. Through these Sabeels, we try to spread the message of compassion, sacrifice and care for fellow human beings. We are thankful to every volunteer who devoted time to this cause,” he said.
Besides NGOs and trusts, traders’ associations, market committees, youth groups and residents from different localities also set up Sabeels, turning the procession route into a symbol of community participation and hospitality.
Several political leaders from the ruling National Conference, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other public representatives visited the stalls during the day, interacted with volunteers and appreciated their efforts. Many of them also joined volunteers in distributing water and refreshments among mourners.
Senior police officers and civil administration officials also visited various Sabeels to review the arrangements and appreciated the coordination between volunteers, organisers and security personnel.
The organisers said the annual tradition of establishing Sabeels has grown stronger with each passing year, reflecting Kashmir’s culture of service, generosity and communal harmony—(KNO)