Ashura observed in India and Myanmar with traditional reverence

Thousands of Muslims on Friday observed Muharram by taking out taziya (Mourning) processions, flagellating themselves and offering special prayers.

Slogans of “Ya Hussein” rend the air as Shias took part in the ceremonial mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Hussein with flags and replicas of Hussein’s tomb in their hands. Sunnis offered prayers, observed fasts and distributed alms on the occasion.

Several taziya processions were taken out in the national capital and in its satellite towns. Most of the processions culminated at Karbala in Jor Bagh in south Delhi. Lucknow and Bombay also had witnessed massive participation of azadars of Imam Hussain (AS) and martyrs of Karbala.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Muharram processions were taken out from various parts amid tight security. Kargil and Laddakh also witnessed huge participation of the mourners in Ashura processions.

In Srinagar, the procession started from Lal Bazaar area of the city and reached Zadibal Imambargah, officials said.

Authorities had imposed restrictions in six police station areas of the city as a precautionary measure apprehending law and orders problems.

Processions were also taken out at Budgam, Harwan, Panthachowk, Ganderbal and other areas having sizeable Shia population.

In Leh, mourners braved the cold wave to take part in processions.

Hundreds of Muslims, right from the morning, assembled at Masjid Sharif from where the procession started and passing through the main markets of Leh culminated at Imam Bargah.
Holy Day of Ashoura Observed in Myanmar
Hundreds of Shia Muslims in Myanmar observed Ashoura, one of the religion’s holiest days on Friday.

Ashoura is the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, in a 7th century battle.

In Yangon, Myanmar, hundreds observed Ashuoura at religious places. Mourners offered prayers during the procession, ritually whipped their bodies with chains in grief and then chanted slogans against the US and Israel.