Processions marking Ashura wound through Kashmir valley Friday, June 26,2026,as thousands of Shia Muslims gathered to honor Imam Hussain,grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Deep sorrow and reflection were the order of the day. Local leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, joined in.
In Srinagar, mourners assembled early at Gulshan Bagh,Botakadal, marching toward Zadibal. Grief showed in wailing,chest beating, and reciting marsiya. Budgam,Baramulla,Bandipora,Pulwama,Anantnag saw similar scenes. A day widely observed.
As processions moved, black banners with Islamic slogans and images of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and current leader Mojtaba Khamenei appeared. Tight security blanketed old city. Police enforced advisory against provocative slogans, symbols linked to banned groups.
At Zadibal,Chief Minister Abdullah,with adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and others,offered refreshments to mourners . He stressed lessons from Imam Hussain's sacrifice: “When we forget those teachings,we face destruction and ruin.” Abdullah hoped historic Ashura procession,restricted since 1990s, would someday return to its old route.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha paid tribute too, highlighting message of peace,love,compassion from Imam Hussain and companions. “Their supreme sacrifice remains an eternal guide to building society rooted in equality and harmony,” he said.
Opposition leaders joined too,showing collective spirit. V.K. Birdi,Inspector General of Police, praised public,volunteers for keeping events peaceful. Special traffic,crowd plans eased movement through old city's narrow lanes. “We are very grateful to them,” Birdi said . Cooperation ensured the observances went smoothly…
