Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, July 14: Thousands of mourners participated in the 7th Muharram procession in Srinagar today while Administration allowed 8th Muharram procession on the traditional route.
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This annual event, known as the Mehandi March, is the city’s most prominent procession on the seventh day of Muharram. This significance has grown, especially since the 8th and 10th Muharram processions were banned for the past three decades. The ban was lifted by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration in July 2023.
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The procession commenced in the Shia-dominated Hassanabad neighborhood this afternoon. Hundreds of participants marched towards Botraj Mohalla and Kathi Darwaza, retracing the traditional route taken on this significant day of the Islamic calendar. Amidst wailing and chest-beating, the mourners recited Merissa in praise of Hazrat Imam Hussein and Imam Hassan, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala 1400 years ago.
Mulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Chairman of Ittehad ul Muslimeen, expressed hope for the 8th Muharram procession to proceed peacefully. “The 7th Muharram procession was conducted peacefully today, and we hope for the same tomorrow on the historic route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and MA Road in Srinagar,” Ansari said.
However, he voiced concerns over the administration’s imposed time frame. “Being restricted to a specific time frame infringes on our religious freedom. Our procession is a matter of faith and not a rally against anyone. Restricting holding the procession between 6 am and 8 am is unacceptable,” he said.
The district administration of Srinagar confirmed permission for the 8th Muharram procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and MA Road. An order issued by the District Magistrate of Srinagar detailed the conditions, including a precise schedule to minimize disruption to public and business activities along the route. “Permission is granted to the Yaadgar-i-Hussaini Committee for the 8th Muharram procession, with strict conditions to ensure public safety and order,” the order read.
The order specified that organizers must ensure the procession concludes within the timeframe set by the administration, starting at 6 a.m. from Guru Bazar, crossing Jehangir Chowk by 6:30 am, and passing J&K Bank Headquarters on Maulana Azad Road (MA) Road by 8 am The procession must use one side of the road, avoid anti-national activities, and respect the communal harmony of the region. Additionally, no provocative slogans, flags, or symbols are allowed, and the use of drones and loudspeakers is prohibited.
The mourners welcomed the decision to allow them to take the procession on the traditional route. This has been happening consecutively for the last two years, providing significant relief to the Shia population here. “We welcome the administration’s decision to allow the peaceful march tomorrow,” one mourner said.
The ban on Muharram processions, imposed since the start of militancy in 1990, was lifted by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration in July 2023. Last year marked the first time the procession was allowed in over three decades. Mourners have welcomed this decision, appreciating the opportunity to conduct their religious observance peacefully.
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