Muharram procession taken out in boats on Dal Lake in J&K’s Srinagar

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 16 (ANI): A rare traditional Muharram procession was taken out in the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar on the occasion of Muharram, the day before Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

Notably, the procession is more than 184 years old. A lot of Shiite Muslim mourners from parts of the valley joined Muharram processions in the interiors of Dal Lake in Srinagar on the Muharram.

Mourners assembled at Rainawari, from where they initiated the processions on wooden boats in the interiors of Dal from Rainawari to Kaenkech.

A mourner, Younis Ali, while talking to ANI, said, “This is our traditional procession, which has been going on for years. We go out in large numbers of Shikaras in the interiors of the Dal Lake and this procession concludes at Imambara Hassanabad Dal Lake in Srinagar Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of the prophet’s grandson Hussain, his kin and faithful companions in the deserts of Karbala 1400 years ago and has been commemorated in Kashmir with religious fervour from centuries.”

Another mourner, Firdous Ali, mentioned that Imam Hussain’s message is that nobody who is innocent will die, not even an animal.

“Whoever sees this feels a sense of peace. It is a different sort of experience when these boats float with the flag. It is very unique. Wherever there is injustice happening in the world, Imam Hussain’s teachings must be preached. Nelson Mandela said that he also learned from him. Mandela said that my patience level increased because of him and I could free my community. Mahatama Gandhi also shed light on the great character of Imam Hussain,” Firdous added.

It is noteworthy that Muharram holds significant religious importance for Shia Muslims. In India, the 7-8 crore Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias.