Srinagar, June 25: Youm-e-Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions in the Battle of Karbala, is being observed across Kashmir on Friday with religious fervour and solemnity.
Thousands of mourners are expected to participate in mourning processions, religious gatherings and recitations highlighting the values of sacrifice, justice and resistance against oppression.
As part of the observance, the traditional Zuljinah procession will be taken out from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal in Srinagar.
To ensure its smooth conduct and manage the expected rush, authorities have put in place elaborate traffic arrangements across the city.
The annual procession, one of the largest Muharram gatherings in the Valley, is expected to draw thousands of mourners.
The Srinagar Traffic Police on Thursday issued a detailed traffic advisory, announcing diversions and restrictions in Zadibal and adjoining areas.
“The main Zuljinah procession will proceed from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal, and traffic movement in Zadibal and surrounding localities will remain affected during the observance,” the advisory said.
According to the advisory, traffic heading towards Zadibal from various directions will be diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar and Bota Kadal. Commuters travelling to Hawal Road have been advised to use the Firdous Cinema–Ali Masjid–Sazgaripora route.
Vehicles travelling from Karan Nagar and Nallamar towards Soura will be diverted via Ali Jan Road, while no right turn towards Sazgaripora will be allowed at Ali Masjid.
Similarly, traffic from Kalai Andhar will not be permitted towards Zadibal via Firdous Cinema and will instead be diverted through Sazgaripora or Nowhatta. Vehicles coming from Soura will not be allowed beyond Nallabal towards Zadibal and have been advised to use alternate routes via Zoonimar and Awantibhawan Road.
Traffic from Lal Bazar towards Bota Kadal will also remain restricted, with motorists advised to use Mallabagh and other interior roads to reach Soura and adjoining areas.
Authorities urged people to plan their travel in advance, avoid unnecessary movement in areas witnessing Ashura processions and cooperate with traffic personnel to ensure smooth traffic management and the peaceful conduct of the religious event.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recalled the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on the eve of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram.
In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: “The supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala remain a timeless beacon for humanity, upholding truth, justice, and human dignity.
Let us resolve to imbibe these universal ideals and work together to build a peaceful, progressive, and equitable society.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid rich tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala, recalling their unparalleled sacrifice for truth, justice and righteousness.
In his message on the solemn occasion of Ashoora, the Chief Minister said that the tragedy of Karbala remains an eternal symbol of courage, steadfastness and resistance against tyranny.
He observed that Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), along with his devoted family members and companions, upheld the highest ideals of faith, justice, compassion and human dignity through their supreme sacrifice.
“The message of Karbala transcends time and geography. It inspires humanity to stand firm in the face of injustice, uphold moral values and safeguard the principles of truth and righteousness, irrespective of the challenges,” the Chief Minister said.
CM Omar Abdullah emphasized that the teachings and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) continue to serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for people across the world, reminding society of the importance of selflessness, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice.
The Chief Minister urged people to imbibe the timeless values exemplified by the martyrs of Karbala and work collectively towards fostering peace, harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood in society.
On the occasion, Omar Abdullah joined the people in solemn observance of Ashoora and prayed for lasting peace, communal harmony and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also prayed for eternal peace to the revered martyrs of Karbala and for the well-being of all.
