Thousands March Peacefully through Lal Chowk to Dalgate; Traffic Curtailed, Volunteers & Cooling Measures Deployed
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)For the third consecutive year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration today permitted the traditional 8th Muharram procession to take place along its historic route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate. Thousands of mourners participated in the early-morning march, held under heightened security and with extensive logistical arrangements.
The procession began at 5:00 AM, passing through Budshah Kadal and Maulana Azad Road before culminating at Dalgate. The route had remained banned for over three decades due to security concerns dating back to the late 1980s. Its restoration in 2023 marked a significant policy shift and was widely welcomed by the Shia community and civil society.
Authorities had made elaborate preparations to ensure the peaceful conduct of the event. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, along with senior police officers, held prior consultations with representatives of Shia organisations to coordinate arrangements.
In anticipation of the procession, the traffic department issued a public advisory restricting vehicular movement along the designated route. Traffic was diverted via Residency Road, Hari Singh High Street, Jehangir Chowk, and other inner-city roads, with designated parking facilities arranged at Gindun Park and SP College.
To ease the impact of intense heat, water sprinklers were installed at various points along the route. Additionally, hundreds of community volunteers were deployed to manage the crowd, assist with medical emergencies, and maintain order.
Eyewitnesses described a solemn and orderly procession, with mourners chanting elegies and rhythmically beating their chests in remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the revered grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“It is reassuring to witness the 8th Muharram procession being held peacefully for the third year in a row,” said Syed Murtaza Rizvi, a participant from Srinagar. “The reopening of this historic route reflects a positive and inclusive shift.”
Another mourner, Naqib Abbas Baba, added, “Seeing the community walk this path once again is deeply meaningful. We are thankful to the administration for enabling it.”
The 8th of Muharram is part of a series of mourning events leading up to Ashura, the 10th day of the month, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions in the Battle of Karbala, present-day Iraq(DD)