Srinagar: In preparation for the upcoming Muharram / annual Ashura procession, a coordination meeting was convened in Srinagar under the guidance of Haji Firdaus Mirza, District President of the All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA). The meeting saw the presence of AJKSA Srinagar District Secretary Yaseen Mustafa, Youth Coordinator Arshed Sultan, and senior members Syed Altaf, Yaqoob, and Asim Gazi. Representatives from 38 Dairah-e-Hussainy (AS) units who actively participate in the Ashura procession were also present.
The gathering was held to discuss streamlining of this year’s Muharram and specifically Ashura processions and ensuring greater discipline, spiritual ambiance, and coordination among all participants. All attendees wholeheartedly welcomed the steps initiated by Molvi Imran Ansari Sahib to bring more structure and sanctity to the movement of Dairahs during the Ashura day events.
The AJKSA team also collected feedback from the Dairah-e-Hussainy representatives, which will be reviewed by the President for final approval. Key suggestions from the ground included:
•Dedicated Movement Time: Each Dairah to be allocated 12 minutes at the Imam Bargah Zadibal to ensure smooth and timely passage.
•Timely Completion: Efforts to conclude the entire procession by Maghrib Salah, so that preparations for Sham-e-Ghariban can take place with due sanctity.
•Orderly Numbering: All Dairahs to be numbered for better coordination and accountability during movement.
•Respectful Participation of Women: A proposal was discussed regarding the restriction on women sitting on ground floors during the procession. This is being considered purely to uphold the sanctity and traditional discipline of Azadari. All community members are urged to understand and support this respectful request.
•Avoidance of Inappropriate Food: It was unanimously agreed that modern fast food items like pizzas and burgers do not align with the spiritual nature of the day and must be avoided. Emphasis was laid on promoting Fakah Shikni, the traditional and humble offering associated with the day of mourning.
•NGO and Civil Society Support: Coordination with NGOs and other service organisations was appreciated and will be welcomed for assisting in crowd management, medical aid, and other support services.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to preserving the sanctity of Ashura while ensuring the procession proceeds in an organised, safe, and spiritually reflective manner.
