For the third year in a row, the 8th Muharram procession was held along its traditional route in Srinagar city, drawing thousands of mourners in a peaceful and organised manner. Beginning at dawn from Guru Bazar, the procession moved through Budshah Kadal and Maulana Azad Road before concluding at Dalgate. The return of this religious procession to its original path has marked a visible change from earlier times when such gatherings were not permitted along the central routes of the city. The 8th Muharram holds deep importance for the Shia community of Kashmir as part of the larger remembrance that culminates in Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month. The mourners, dressed in black, beat their chests and recited elegies to honour the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS), who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. His memory has been kept alive through these processions which symbolise resistance against injustice and remind the faithful of the values he stood for. Until recently, such processions had been barred from taking their historical course due to the law-and-order situation. For over three decades, participants were restricted to smaller, less visible routes. This year, like the last two, marked another instance of the procession returning to its original path, a move that drew wide response from mourners and observers. People from various parts of the city gathered to join the march, while others lined the route to watch in silence and offer water or assistance. Security and logistical arrangements were in place well ahead of time. Authorities had held preparatory meetings with community representatives to ensure coordination. Traffic diversions were announced in advance, and alternate routes were made available to the public. Designated parking areas were identified to reduce congestion. Cooling arrangements like water sprinklers were also installed along parts of the route due to the rising summer temperatures. A large number of volunteers assisted in guiding participants, managing the crowd, and dealing with emergencies. The mourners expressed a deep emotional connection to being able to march on this route again. Some viewed it as a return to traditions that had been interrupted for too long. The mood throughout the procession remained calm and respectful, with a visible sense of unity among the participants. The procession is part of a series of events observed in the first ten days of Muharram, culminating in Ashura. These days serve as a reminder of the historical events at Karbala, where Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers were martyred after standing against tyranny. His actions have come to symbolise moral courage and steadfastness. Observing Muharram through such processions continues to hold deep cultural and religious relevance for many people in the Kashmir valley. The administration deserves credit for the continuation of the 8th Muharram procession along its original path that had long been held under restrictions. The smooth and peaceful conduct of this year’s event added to the hopes of many who wish for the tradition to remain undisturbed in the years ahead.
Sacred March
