To mark the most significant day called Ashura or the 10 day of Muharram, Muslims of all sects held a large procession in the city carrying Taziya, an effigy of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum.
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Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein in a battle fought at Karbala in 680 AD.
In Sydney, more than 5,000 people took to the streets to observe Ashura, chanting slogans in honor of Imam Hussein and his family’s sacrifices.
Meanwhile, elaborate security measures were taken by the government deploying thousands of military, paramilitary and police force to avoid any untoward incident.
Stringent security arrangements were in place and mobile phone services remained suspended. The volunteers of various social welfare organisations had set up medical camps and sabeels to facilitate the participants of the processions.
A few mourners tried to take out an Ashura procession at Lal Chowk Srinagar, however police swung into action and detained several mourners including Hurriyat (G) activist Nisar Hussain Rather. Thousands of mourners participated in these processions. This procedure delayed the procession for about three to four hours behind the time initially scheduled for it to reach its destination, Karbala Gamay Shah. After passing through its traditional route it ended from where it had started.
MARDAN: Yaum-e-Ashur was observed amid tight security in the district.
In south Kashmir, similar processions were taken out at Wakharwan Awantipora and Panner area of Tral.
“For protecting the Islamic tradition, customs and education, Hazrat Imam Husain (RA) showed courage and conviction to offer sacrifice of his life in 61 Hijri along with his beloved ones, which would go on to serve as a lesson for the entire humanity until the Day of Judgment”, Mirwaiz said in a statement.
They stressed the need for promoting brotherhood, tolerance and patience.
He wished unity, solidarity and continued progress of the Muslim Ummah.
Ashura processions were taken out by mourners, including women and children, in different parts of the Shia dominated central Kashmir of Badgam, reciting marsia and beating their chests.
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The city was completely sealed as all the shops and bazaars had been closed to foil possible terror threat.
