Photo/ Mehran Bhat -TK

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Frames: After 33 years, emotions run high as ‘Hussain Zindabad’ slogans reverberate in Srinagar

By News Desk

July 27, 2023

Mehran Bhat

Though the admin had granted permission from 6 A.M, devotees started reaching Guru Bazar as early as 4 A.M. Police and paramilitary troopers were deployed across all streets in Srinagar. Throughout the way from Guru Bazar to Dalgate where the procession ended, Sunni Muslims had installed stalls for the Shia devotees who recited Nouhas (mourning poetry) and marched the streets of Srinagar.

In the midst of the emotional atmosphere, the 8th Muharram procession was finally permitted to follow its traditional route after 34 years. The streets were adorned with black banners and the alleys of the capital city reverberated with elegies being recited for Imam Hussain, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Photo: Mehran Bhat

Kashmiri Muslims, historically, used to march in a big procession from Lal Chowk to Dalgate, however, in 1990, when militancy erupted, the practice was outlawed as the processions lead to anti-Indian protests. Photo: Mehran Bhat

Irrespective of their religion, bystanders watched the Muharram procession with adoration and reverence. People from all religious backgrounds respected and supported one another’s beliefs, demonstrating Kashmir’s spirit. Photo: Mehran Bhat

A large group of young Shia mourners was observing the 8th Muharram procession on its traditional route for the first time in last three decades.  Photo: Mehran Bhat

For generations, the locals commemorate this day with unity and reverence, despite the ongoing political turmoil in the Kashmir region. Shabir, a youngster who was among the mourners, said that during Muharram, “I witnessed a river of tears flow silently in every one’s home, regardless of religion, carrying the essence of sacrifice and unity.” Photo: Mehran Bhat
Authorities had cautioned mourners not to engage in any anti-national acts or sloganeering while participating in the 8th Muharram procession. Drones were used to monitor the March from Guru Bazaar to Dalgate, and it was wrapped up in tight security measures. Photo: Mehran Bhat

Thousands of people from various areas of the Kashmir valley joined the procession. Around 6 am, in the morning, the 8th Muharram procession left Guru Bazar in Srinagar and concluded at 11 am in Dalgate area of Srinagar. Photo: Mehran Bhat