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2025-11-14T14:31:58Z

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{{Short description|Religious period of mourning for Shia Muslims in Kashmir}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
[[File:Tasu'a and Ashura Hosseini ceremony in Kashmir 01 (4).jpg|thumb|[[Ashura]] procession in [[Kashmir Valley]]]]
In [[Kashmir]], the Islamic month of [[Muharram]] is observed with deep reverence, particularly by the [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslim]] community, who commemorate the martyrdom of [[Husayn ibn Ali]] at the [[Battle of Karbala]]. The observance, called Azadari-i-Muharram,{{Efn|{{Langx|ur|عزاداریِ محرم}}}} is marked by processions, rituals, and expressions of grief and solidarity. However, the practice has faced historical challenges, including restrictions and bans, which have influenced its manifestation in the region.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2023-07-29 |title=Why Shia celebrate Muharram, why was it banned in Kashmir? Here is the 30-yr-long Kashmir story |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/why-shia-celebrate-muharram-why-was-it-banned-in-kashmir-here-is-30-yr-long-kashmir-story/articleshow/102229314.cms |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref name="RW2010">{{cite web|author1=Islamic Republic News Agency|author-link=Islamic Republic News Agency|title=India: Govt clamps curfew to stop main Ashura procession in Kashmir|url=http://img.static.reliefweb.int/report/india/india-govt-clamps-curfew-stop-main-ashura-procession-kashmir|publisher=[[ReliefWeb]]|accessdate=11 April 2015|date=17 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102161119/http://img.static.reliefweb.int/report/india/india-govt-clamps-curfew-stop-main-ashura-procession-kashmir|archive-date=2 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Observance and rituals ==
Muharram in Kashmir is marked by solemn mourning rituals observed by the Shia community. The practices include:<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-06-26 |title=Muharram Observances Begin In Kashmir |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/06/26/muharram-observances-begin-in-kashmir/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wani |first=Ayaan |date=5 July 2025 |title=Thousands join 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar |url=http://brighterkashmir.com//news/thousands-join-8th-muharram-procession-in-srinagar |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Brighter Kashmir}}</ref>

* [[Alam (finial)|Alam]] Processions: Processions carrying [[Alam (finial)|alams]] (standards or flags) symbolizing the [[List of casualties in Husayn's army at the Battle of Karbala|martyrs of Karbala]], especially on 5th of Muharram.<ref>{{Cite web |last=YUSUF |first=SHABIR IBN |date=2025-07-01 |title=5th Muharram Alam Shareef processions carried with reverence in city |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/city/5th-muharram-alam-shareef-processions-carried-with-reverence-in-city/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Greater Kashmir |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2024-07-12 |title=On 5th Muharram, Alam Procession Carried Out In Srinagar |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2024/07/12/on-5th-muharram-alam-procession-carried-out-in-srinagar/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Zuljanah]] Procession: A ceremonial procession featuring a decorated replica of [[Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn’s]] horse ([[Zuljanah]]), representing the martyr’s journey to [[Karbala]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-07-06 |title=Youm-e-Ashura: Elaborate arrangements in place for smooth passage of Zuljanah processions across Kashmir, says IGP Birdi {{!}} Free Press Kashmir |url=https://freepresskashmir.news/2025/07/06/youm-e-ashura-elaborate-arrangements-in-place-for-smooth-passage-of-zuljanah-processions-across-kashmir-says-igp-birdi/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-17 |title=Zuljanah Procession Begins As Shia Mourners March From Bota Kadal To Zadibal |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2024/07/17/zuljanah-procession-begins-as-shia-mourners-march-from-bota-kadal-to-zadibal/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> Usually two main zuljanah processions are observed on Ashura in Kashmir. One in the capital city of Srinagar, and one another in [[Budgam]] district. The procession of capital city is authorised to All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association and Anjuman-e-Sharie Shia Jammu and Kashmir alternately, while procession of budgam is undertaken by Anjuman-e-Sharie Shia, Jammu and Kashmir, alone.
* [[Noha|Nowheh]] Khawani: Recitation of [[Noha#Kashmiri Nowheh|Kashmiri Nowheh]] in [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], and urdu that narrate the suffering of [[Husayn ibn Ali]] and his followers, that follows a chest beating ritual like Latmiya.
* [[Majlis]] (Religious gathering): Sermons and recitations are held in [[Husayniyya|Imambaras]], where scholars recount the events of Karbala and deliver discourses on themes of sacrifice, justice.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-07-20 |title=All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association Holds Majlis-e-Aza and Marsiya Khawani Across Valley |url=https://www.knskashmir.com/all-jammu-and-kashmir-shia-association-holds-majlis-e-aza-and-marsiya-khawani-across-valley-196547 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=KNS |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[Srinagar]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burhan |first=Syed Mohammad |date=2025-07-21 |title=25th Muharram Observed with Majalis, Processions Across Kashmir |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/07/21/25th-muharram-observed-with-majalis-processions-across-kashmir/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Niyaz and Sabeel: Food and water are distributed as acts of charity, symbolizing the thirst of [[Husayn ibn Ali]] and his companions at [[Karbala]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-30 |title=The Spirit of Sabeel-e-Hussain Lives On in Kashmir’s Moharram Traditions |url=https://www.morningkashmir.com/the-spirit-of-sabeel-e-hussain-lives-on-in-kashmirs-moharram-traditions/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |language=en-US}}</ref>
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="170">
File:Tasu'a and Ashura Hosseini ceremony in Kashmir 01 (20).jpg|[[Alam (finial)|Alam]] procession in kashmir
File:Tasu'a and Ashura Hosseini ceremony in Kashmir 01 (16).jpg|[[Latmiya]] (ritual chest beating) in [[Srinagar]]
File:Tasu'a and Ashura Hosseini ceremony in Kashmir 01 (11).jpg|alt=Shia Muslims attending a Majlis in Kashmir, with a cleric delivering a sermon at the microphone during Muharram observances.|Shia Muslims attending a [[Majlis]] in [[Kashmir]], with a cleric delivering a [[sermon]].
File:Tasu'a and Ashura Hosseini ceremony in Kashmir 01 (10).jpg|Children serving refreshments at sabeel stalls
</gallery>Major public processions in Srinagar traditionally began at Abi Guzar, passed through [[Maisuma]], and ended at Zadibal. These processions are the central feature of Muharram observance in [[Kashmir]], usually taking place on the 8th and 10th days of the month and lasting several hours. In addition, smaller processions are held in other districts, including [[Baramulla]], [[Kulgam]], [[Leh]], and [[Kargil]], reflecting the widespread regional participation.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last= |date=2025-07-04 |title=Srinagar Muharram procession sees thousands participate peacefully |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/thousands-take-part-in-muharram-procession-in-srinagar/article69771482.ece |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-29 |title=Story of the Muharram procession in Srinagar, back after three decades |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/story-of-the-muharram-procession-in-srinagar-back-after-three-decades-8865710/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731144228/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/story-of-the-muharram-procession-in-srinagar-back-after-three-decades-8865710/ |archive-date=2023-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=The Indian Express |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-03 |title=Strict Timings, Tight Security for Kashmir’s Biggest Muharram Procession Today |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/07/03/strict-timings-tight-security-for-kashmirs-biggest-muharram-procession-today/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History ==
The tradition of [[Mourning of Muharram|Muharram processions]] in [[Kashmir]] dates back several centuries. Under the rule of the [[Dogra dynasty|Dogra]] kings in the early 20th century, the Shia community faced restrictions on their religious practices. In the 1920s, the Dogra administration mandated that Muharram processions conclude before sunrise, citing concerns over Shia–Sunni tensions. Despite these restrictions, the community continued to observe the month with devotion, often defying the imposed limitations.<ref name=":0" />

For decades, the [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had maintained a ban on major mourning processions, a restriction put in place since the rise of [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|insurgency in the region]] in the 1990s. While smaller gatherings were permitted in predominantly Shia areas like [[Baramulla]], [[Kulgam]], [[Leh]], and [[Kargil]], the traditional route in [[Srinagar]], running from Abi Guzar, through [[Maisuma]], and ending at [[Imambara Zadibal|Imambara]] in [[Zadibal]], was closed to mourners, often leading to clashes with police forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashiq |first=Peerzada |date=2019-09-07 |title=Muharram processions banned in Kashmir Valley |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/muharram-processions-banned-in-valley/article29362910.ece |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-28 |title=Restrictions in parts of Kashmir to prevent Muharram processions |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/restrictions-parts-of-kashmir-prevent-muharram-processions-6573526/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2025 |title=Youm-e-Ashura... |url=https://epaper.greaterkashmir.com/4029824/Greater-Kashmir/06-07-2025#page/8 |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |page=8 |language=en |type=Newspaper}}</ref>

=== Recent developments ===
In 2023, after a hiatus of 34 years, the [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir|Jammu and Kashmir administration]] permitted the 8th Muharram procession along its traditional route in [[Srinagar]]. This decision was met with a mix of relief and scepticism within the community. While some viewed it as a restoration of religious rights, others perceived it as a political move to project normalcy in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qayoom |first=Aatif |date=2025-07-05 |title=Thousands participate in 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar |url=https://risingkashmir.com/thousands-participate-in-8th-muharram-procession-in-srinagar-2/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Rising Kashmir |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=Traditional Kashmir Muharram procession allowed for first time in decades |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/27/shia-mourners-in-kashmir-allowed-muharram-procession-after-three-decades |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-05 |title=Historic 8th Muharram Procession Returns to Srinagar Streets for Third Year |url=https://www.morningkashmir.com/historic-8th-muharram-procession-returns-to-srinagar-streets-for-third-year/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Communal harmony and participation ==
In recent years, [[Mourning of Muharram|Muharram observances]] in [[Kashmir]] have often been marked by displays of communal harmony and inter-sect unity. Both [[Shia Islam|Shia]] and [[Sunni Islam|Sunni Muslims]] have participated jointly in mourning processions, with volunteers from different sects organizing sabeels to distribute refreshments to mourners. The resumption of major processions in [[Srinagar]], including those on the 8th and 10th of [[Muharram]], has also seen the participation and support of [[Hindus|Hindu]], [[Sikhs|Sikh]], and [[Kashmiri Pandits|Kashmiri Pandit]] residents, reflecting broader social solidarity. Religious leaders and community representatives, through coordination committees and public appeals, have emphasized restraint, mutual respect, and the preservation of Muharram’s sanctity. The events have come to symbolize inter-communal cooperation, peace, and renewed normalcy in the Valley following decades of restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-07-17 |title=Jammu And Kashmir: Centuries-old Interfaith Harmony Evident During Ashura Procession In Srinagar |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/jammu-and-kashmir-centuries-old-interfaith-harmony-evident-during-ashura-procession-in-srinagar-enn24071706570 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shia–Sunni bonhomie shines in Srinagar during Muharram |url=http://brighterkashmir.com//news/shiasunni-bonhomie-shines-in-srinagar-during-muharram |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Brighter Kashmir}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Shia Islam
}}

* [[Muharram in Bahrain|Persecution of Kashmiri Shias]]
* [[Azadari in Lucknow]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Islam in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Mourning of Muharram]]

Muharram in Kashmir - Revision history

SadieHagelthorn: added initial entry added tags...