Peerzada Masarat Shah
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a day of profound sorrow and spiritual reverence for the Shia Muslim community worldwide, commemorating the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. In Kashmir, where faith and culture intertwine, Ashura 2025 unfolded as a poignant testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of ‘Kashmiriyat’—a symbol of communal harmony. This article explores the emotional weight of Karbala’s tragedy, the significance of Ashura, and its vibrant observance in Kashmir, enriched by traditions like the preparation of salty kheer and inter-community support that reflect the Valley’s unique ethos.
### The Significance of Ashura
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period, and its 10th day, Ashura, holds immense importance for Shia Muslims. It is a day of mourning, dedicated to honoring Imam Hussain’s courageous stand against injustice. In 61 AH (680 CE), Hussain, along with his family and 72 companions, faced the massive army of Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph, on the plains of Karbala (modern-day Iraq). Refusing to pledge allegiance to a tyrannical ruler, Hussain’s small band stood for truth, justice, and humanity. Their martyrdom—marked by unimaginable sacrifice—remains a heartrending symbol of resistance against oppression. Shia rituals, spanning the first ten days of Muharram, culminate on Ashura with processions, elegies (nohas), and chest-beating (matam), embodying collective grief and defiance.
In Kashmir, Ashura is not merely a religious observance but a cultural cornerstone, uniting communities in shared reverence and sorrow, amplified by traditions that bridge divides and foster solidarity.
The Tragedy of Karbala: A Wound That Endures
The Battle of Karbala is a tragedy that pierces the soul. Imam Hussain’s refusal to bow to Yazid’s corrupt rule was a stand for moral courage. Surrounded on the scorching plains of Karbala, deprived of water for days, and vastly outnumbered, Hussain and his companions fought with unparalleled bravery. The brutality of their martyrdom—Hussain’s head severed, his body trampled, and his six-month-old son Ali Asghar killed by an arrow—evokes tears even today. Each recounting of Karbala feels raw, as if the sands still carry the cries of the martyrs. For Shias, mourning Hussain is a sacred act of protest, a vow to stand against injustice, and a reminder of the cost of truth. The rhythmic chants of “Ya Hussain” during processions echo this pain, binding mourners in a shared lament that reverberates across generations.
Ashura in Kashmir: A Revival of Sacred Tradition
In Kashmir, the 10th of Muharram 2025 was marked by an outpouring of devotion and unity. For decades, central Muharram processions in Srinagar were banned, starting in 1989 due to security concerns amid regional unrest. This restriction silenced a sacred tradition, confining processions to Shia-majority areas like Zadibal. However, since 2021, and notably in 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, under Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, has lifted these bans, allowing the 8th and 10th Muharram processions to reclaim their historic routes. On July 6, 2025, thousands of Shia mourners marched through Srinagar’s Bota Kadal to Zadibal Imambara, their black-clad figures a moving testament to faith and resilience.
LG Manoj Sinha joined the Zuljanah procession at Bota Kadal, a historic gesture of solidarity. With minimal security, he walked alongside mourners, serving water and offering a sacred chaddar to the Zuljanah, symbolizing reverence for Imam Hussain’s sacrifice. His presence, alongside senior officials like Divisional Commissioner V.K. Bidhuri and Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi, sent a powerful message of communal harmony. Prominent figures, including MLAs and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah, also participated, their involvement amplifying the spirit of unity. Farooq Abdullah’s presence struck a deep chord, as mourners embraced his gesture as a bridge across communities, reflecting Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos.
The Tradition of Salty Kheer and Inter-Community Support
A unique tradition in Kashmir during Muharram is the preparation of salty kheer, a variation of the traditional Indian rice pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. Unlike the sweet version, salty kheer is seasoned with salt and served by many families across the Valley for all ten days of Muharram. This dish, distributed in communities as a symbol of respect for Imam Hussain’s sacrifice, is a poignant reminder of the hunger and thirst endured by the martyrs of Karbala. The act of sharing salty kheer fosters a sense of collective mourning and solidarity, with neighbors gathering to partake in this simple yet profound offering.
Adding to this spirit, the logistical support provided to the Shia community during these ten days is a heartwarming display of ‘Kashmiriyat.’ In almost every village, locals help organize processions, set up water stalls, and provide resources like tents and seating for majlis (mourning gatherings). This support, extended across community lines, is a sight to behold, as it transforms grief into a shared act of compassion. For instance, in villages like Kulgam and Budgam, families contribute food, water, and transportation, ensuring mourners can focus on their rituals. This inter-community solidarity underscores Kashmir’s unique ability to unite in the face of sorrow.
Other Events: The Spirit of ‘Kashmiriyat’
Beyond the processions, Kashmir’s observance of Ashura in 2025 radiated compassion. In Ganderbal’s Nuner village, locals, including families with children, traveled 30 km to serve water and cold drinks to Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returning on the same day. This act of hospitality, mirroring the LG’s gesture, embodied ‘Kashmiriyat’—a cultural ethos of coexistence. Dozens of vehicles carrying Yatris stopped to accept this offering, a quiet yet profound statement of harmony that warmed hearts amidst Ashura’s solemnity.
Security arrangements ensured a peaceful procession, with police, volunteers, and medical teams deployed along the route. Water stalls and paramedics stood ready, reflecting meticulous planning. The 8th Muharram procession, held days earlier from Guru Bazar to Dalgate, also saw thousands participate, with mourners like Syed Murtaza Rizvi expressing gratitude for the restored tradition. “It feels like our voices are heard again,” he said, his eyes glistening with emotion.
A Day of Grief and Unity
The 10th of Muharram 2025 in Kashmir was more than a religious observance; it was a reclamation of identity and peace. The tragedy of Karbala, with its timeless lessons of sacrifice and justice, found expression in Srinagar’s streets, where mourners, leaders, and communities united. The tradition of salty kheer and logistical support across communities wove a tapestry of compassion, while LG Sinha’s participation, alongside MLAs and JKNC leaders, signaled a new chapter for Kashmir, where faith and fraternity triumph over past divisions. As mourners chanted elegies and locals shared water with pilgrims, Ashura became a beacon of hope, proving that even in grief, humanity can weave bonds of love and solidarity.
