Thousands join 7th Muharram procession in Srinagar

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 3: Thousands of mourners took part in the 7th Muharram procession today here, marking a significant religious event for the Shia Muslim community amid tight security arrangements.

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Known as the Mehandi March, the 7th Muharram procession is among the key events leading up to Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. The procession began in the Shia-majority Hassanabad area of Srinagar and followed its traditional route through Botraj Mohalla to Kathi Darwaza in the old city.
Men, women and children participated by beating their chests and reciting marsiya (elegies) in remembrance of the sacrifices at Karbala. “On this day, water was stopped for Imam Hussain and his companions during the battle of Karbala, yet they refused to submit to tyranny. We assemble here in remembrance of their courage,” he said.
Another mourner said, “We remember the martyrs of Karbala who, over 1,400 years ago, sacrificed their lives rather than submit to falsehood. Imam Hussain gave up everything for Islam.”
Local volunteers set up refreshment stalls along the route, offering water and tea to the mourners. The procession also featured a majlis (gathering) addressed by Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Chairman of Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen.
Ansari praised the peaceful conduct of the event and hoped that the upcoming 8th and 10th Muharram processions would also be held smoothly. Recalling the past, he said, “Kashmiri Pandits used to help with the arrangements. Their presence in the procession today symbolized brotherhood.”
He added, “We are committed to carrying forward Imam Hussain’s mission and are ready to sacrifice everything for Islam,”
Ansari also appreciated the civil and police administration for their cooperation and arrangements.
Authorities had deployed additional police and paramilitary forces to ensure law and order. The traffic police department implemented route diversions between 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to prevent congestion. Medical teams from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences provided emergency support along the route.

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