The Shia Muslim community in Srinagar commemorated Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, with a significant procession honoring the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during the Battle of Karbala. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in this solemn occasion, distributing water to mourners along the historic route from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal.

Amid stringent security protocols, thousands gathered to pay tribute on this day, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was slain in 680 CE. The Jammu and Kashmir administration permitted the traditional Ashura procession while implementing strict measures to maintain communal harmony and public order.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha not only joined the mourners in the Bota Kadal area but also presented a ceremonial 'chadar' to Zuljanah, Imam Hussein's faithful horse, symbolizing unity and goodwill among the participants. Security forces, including police and CRPF personnel, ensured a vigilant presence throughout the procession, which was cleared of traffic to allow safe passage.

This year's observance marked the third consecutive year that the 10th Muharram procession was allowed in Srinagar, following a 35-year ban that was lifted in 2023, indicating a shift towards peace and normalcy in the region. Despite earlier concerns about potential inflammatory actions during the 8th Muharram procession, this year's event unfolded peacefully, with no flags from foreign organizations displayed, except for a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The procession concluded at Imambara Zadibal, where Zuljanah was honored as a living representation of the tragedy of Karbala. Shia mourners demonstrated their devotion by touching and kissing the horse, bringing their children under it to connect with Imam Hussein's sacrifice. Historical accounts narrate how Zuljanah protected Imam Hussein during the battle, sustaining injuries and returning to alert his family after his martyrdom.