Srinagar- As the first light of the 10th of Muharram breaks over Kashmir on Friday, the Valley will once again immerse itself in remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala, with thousands of mourners expected to participate in the historic Zuljinah procession from Bota Kadal to Imambargah Zadibal.
For generations, the procession has been more than a religious gathering. It is a solemn public reaffirmation of Imam Hussain’s (AS) timeless stand against injustice, drawing men, women and children who walk in mourning alongside the symbolic riderless horse—Zuljinah—reciting elegies and nohas that echo the grief of Karbala.
To facilitate the smooth conduct of one of the Valley’s largest Muharram congregations, authorities have put in place elaborate security and traffic arrangements across Srinagar, particularly in the old city and Zadibal, where movement is expected to remain heavily regulated for several hours.
The Srinagar Traffic Police on Thursday issued a comprehensive advisory, informing commuters that traffic movement in Zadibal and adjoining localities will remain affected as the procession proceeds from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal.
According to the advisory, all vehicles heading towards Zadibal from different directions will be diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar and Bota Kadal. Commuters travelling towards Hawal Road have been advised to use the Firdous Cinema–Ali Masjid–Sazgaripora route.
Traffic moving from Karan Nagar and Nallamar towards Soura will be diverted via Ali Jan Road, while no right turn towards Sazgaripora will be permitted at Ali Masjid.
Vehicles approaching from Kalai Andhar will not be allowed to proceed towards Zadibal through Firdous Cinema and will instead be diverted via Sazgaripora or Nowhatta. Likewise, traffic from Soura will not be permitted beyond Nallabal towards Zadibal, with motorists advised to use alternate routes through Zoonimar and Awantibhawan Road.
Authorities further said that vehicles coming from Lal Bazar will not be allowed to proceed towards Bota Kadal and should instead take Mallabagh and other interior roads to reach Soura and adjoining areas.
Officials have appealed to commuters to plan their journeys well in advance, avoid non-essential travel through the affected areas and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed along the route.
“Public cooperation is vital for ensuring smooth traffic management and the peaceful conduct of the Ashura observance,” an official said.
Observed on the 10th day of Muharram, Youm-e-Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who, along with his family members and loyal companions, laid down their lives on the plains of Karbala in 680 CE rather than submit to tyranny. Their sacrifice continues to inspire millions across the world as a symbol of truth, justice, dignity and steadfast resistance against oppression.
Across Kashmir, the day will be marked by Zuljinah processions, majalis, marsiya and noha recitations, sabeels offering water and refreshments, and acts of charity, as mourners renew their pledge to uphold the universal message of Karbala.
The Traffic Police have urged residents to strictly follow diversions, heed instructions issued by personnel on duty and allow emergency services unhindered passage throughout the day, ensuring the observance concludes peacefully and with due reverence.
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