Muharram: Two Loud Statements Of ‘Kashmiriyat’ In Kashmir

Srinagar, July 6 (Maxim News): This year’s 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar marked more than just a religious observance—it became a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of ‘Kashmiriyat’, as the valley witnessed two heartfelt gestures of unity, harmony, and coexistence that resonated across communities.

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in a rare and symbolic gesture, personally joined the Shia mourners at the Bota Kadal area of Srinagar on Sunday. He not only served water and refreshments to the participants of the Ashura procession, but also offered a ‘Chaddar’ (sacred cloth) to the revered Zuljanah, symbolizing reverence for Imam Hussain (RA) and solidarity with the grieving.

This is the third consecutive year that authorities have allowed the 8th and 10th Muharram processions in Srinagar after a 35-year ban that began in 1990 due to the onset of militancy. The credit for this historic decision to restore these rights goes to Lt Governor Sinha, who in 2023 reinstated the traditional route with community trust and cooperation.

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The mood in the city reflected peaceful participation and community spirit, with thousands taking part in the processions across Srinagar under tight yet non-intrusive security arrangements. The governor’s minimal security presence allowed for natural interaction and built confidence among the mourners.

While this symbolic act of communal inclusivity made headlines in Srinagar, a quieter but equally powerful statement unfolded 30 kilometers away in Nuner village of Ganderbal district, where local Muslim residents welcomed Amarnath Yatris returning from the sacred Himalayan shrine.

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Families, including young children, set up stalls along the Baltal-Srinagar highway and served ice-cold drinks and water to the pilgrims in a heartfelt gesture of religious harmony and hospitality. The Yatris, moved by the gesture, gratefully accepted the offerings, reinforcing the timeless spirit of unity that defines Kashmir’s soul.

These parallel events—one led by the government and another by the people—offered two loud statements of Kashmir’s secular fabric, echoing the message of coexistence, mutual respect, and universal brotherhood.

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As the ancient Kashmiri historian Kalhana noted in his 12th-century chronicle Rajatarangini, “Kashmir by the power of the sword – Never. By love – Yes.” That sentiment was visibly alive on the streets and hills of Kashmir this Sunday, as communities came together not just in mourning or pilgrimage, but in shared humanity.

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