Emotions run high as Zadibal witnesses largest Zuljanah procession
Srinagar, Jun 26: Youm-e-Ashura, marking the 10th of Muharram and commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala, was observed with religious zeal and fervour across Jammu & Kashmir, with thousands of mourners carrying out the Zuljanah procession in Srinagar.
The day commemorates the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) – the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) – and his companions in the historic Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH.
The Zuljanah procession was carried out at around 10:30 AM from Imam Bargah Gulshan Bagh Bota Kadal to Zadibal here amid the tight security arrangements. The Zuljanah was ritually draped with the traditional chaddar before the procession commenced.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who joined the mourners this afternoon, also offered a chaddar to Zuljinah. Besides, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi and several other top officials from the police and civil administration visited Zadibal here and joined the mourners.
As soon as the procession commenced, the mourners, including men, women and children, marched alongside the Zuljanah, representing the horse of Imam Hussain (AS).
The stretch from Botakadal to Zadibal remained packed throughout the day as a sea of mourners engaged in reciting the Nouha and chest-beating to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
Pertinently, the traditional route began from Abi Guzar near Lal Chowk, passed through Basant Bagh, Habba Kadal, Nalamar, and ended at Zadibal, but was discontinued by the administration for the last few decades.
Additionally, along the roadside, a number of NGOs, political parties, departments and district administration had organised Sabeel where the volunteers and the officials were seen busy distributing water, food items and other things.
Notably, security personnel were deployed in strength and traffic diversions were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the procession.
The traffic police had issued an advisory for the people to ensure the smooth procession in Zadibal.
In a statement, the traffic police had said that to ensure smooth movement and public convenience, the following route diversions will be in place, Traffic moving towards Zadibal will be diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar and Bota Kadal.
Furthermore, the other areas witnessing Ashura procession include Budgam (from Gazi Manzil to Imambargah Yousufabad, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah, Sonpah, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Kulgam and remote areas of Ladakh, including Turtuk, Partappora, and Chushut.
Prominent areas in Kashmir, such as Baarji Harwan, Bemina, Mirgund, Hanjiveera, Balhama, Panear, Tral, Devsar Kulgam, Sofipora Pahalgam, Chattergul, Achabal, Dangerpora, and Sonawari also witnessed processions.
