Srinagar, Jul 5: Youm-e-Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with deep mourning, religious fervour, and solemn processions.
The occasion marks the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and symbolises the ultimate sacrifice made by Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions in the historic Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
According to the Islamic Hijri calendar, the tragic incident occurred 1385 years ago, and 1342 years ago in the Gregorian calendar.
Muharram 2025 began on June 27, making July 6 the Day of Ashura in 2025, which falls on Sunday.
Given the large gatherings and significance of the day, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure the peaceful observance of the day.
Officials said that security forces would be deployed across sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order.
“Peaceful conduct of the religious processions is our priority. We are in close coordination with religious leaders and community members,” said a senior official of the J&K administration.
Thousands of mourners, known as Azadars, are expected to participate in the ‘Alam’ and ‘Zuljanah’ processions that will be organised in almost all districts of Kashmir and Ladakh.
The key locations for the processions include Srinagar (downtown areas like Mohalla Syed Afzal, Alamgari Bazar, Zadibal), 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 will also witness organised processions.
The main Ashura procession in Srinagar will commence from Alipora Bota Kadal, Lal Bazaar, and culminate at Zadibal, a historic Imambara in the old city.
Previously, 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 over fears of unrest.
The Traffic Police Department has issued a comprehensive advisory given the processions to avoid congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement across the city.
Traffic towards Zadibal will be diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal, and Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi.
Vehicles from Lal Chowk to Soura (and vice versa) have been asked to take Dr Ali Jan Road.
Traffic from Zakura to Lal Chowk should use Foreshore Road.
Vehicles coming from Gojwara to Zadibal will be diverted via Sazgaripora to Dr Ali Jan Road.
The movement from Rainawari to Badamwari will be redirected at Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi to Kathi Darwaza.
Motorists in Lal Bazar are advised to use the Kanitar-Hazratbal-Foreshore Road.
The advisory also urges people to avoid unnecessary travel towards procession routes to minimise inconvenience.
The first 10 days of Muharram, particularly the Day of Ashura, hold immense religious significance, especially for the Shia community.
It is a time of reflection, mourning, and recommitment to the values of justice, sacrifice, and truth exemplified by Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers.
Religious scholars and clerics will address mourners, recounting the events of Karbala and emphasising the moral lessons of courage and resistance against tyranny.
Despite the sombre nature of the day, the peaceful conduct of processions in recent years, alongside administrative cooperation, signals a renewed atmosphere of trust and coordination between the community and the authorities.
The government has urged the public to maintain peace and harmony while observing the sanctity of the occasion.
