In memoriam: Muharram 9 processions taken out in City

Main Ashura procession will commence from Nisar Haveli

LAHORE:

To commemorate the sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family and companions, a Zuljinah and Alam procession was taken out from Aza Khana Pando Street in Krishan Nagar area on Friday (Muharram 9).

The procession reached Imambargah Khaima Sadaat after passing through Inder Street, Dyal Street, Guru Tegh Bahadur Road, Main Bazaar Krishen Nagar, Secretariat Chowk, Church Road, Nabha Road, Edward Road and Old Anarkali. The procession was on its way back to Pando Street when this report was filed.



All streets along the route of the procession were closed for vehicular traffic by placing containers. Mourners were frisked at three checkpoints and made to pass through security scanners before being allowed to enter the procession.

Thousands participated in the procession where speakers were engaged in narrating what befell the Ahle-i-Bait (AS) in Karbala. Devotees in various groups flagellated their backs using custom-made knives from Pando Street to Main Bazaar Krishan Nagar.

Scores of medics, rescuers and Hussainia Scouts Organisation volunteers remained on standby and provided first aid to those in need of attention. Various sabeels of milk, water and tea were set up along the route of the procession. Some devotees were seen distributing juice packets, dry fruit, sweetmeats, and food among mourners.

A large number of women and children also participated in the procession. They struck their chests and heads on hearing the trials and tribulations of the Ahle Bait (AS) in Karbala. Similar processions were also taken out from Imambargah Qasr-i-Batool in Shadman area, Nicholson Road, Imambargah Gulistan-i-Zahra on Abbot Road, Imambargah Saydan in Saddar and in Wassanpura.



The city’s main Ashura procession was set to commence from Nisar Haveli. It will conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through Chowk Nawab Sahab, Mohallah Shian, Mohallah Gillanian, Chohatta Mufti Baqir, Purani Kotwali, Dabbi Bazaar, Sunehri Masjid, Rang Mehal Chowk, Suha Bazaar, Gumti Bazaar, Pani Wala Talab, Bazaar Hakeeman, Tehsil Bazaar, Bhati Bazaar and Bhati Chowk. It is slated to reach Karbala Gamay Shah at 10pm on Muharram 10. All other processions in the city will merge with the main procession.

The Fajr azan on Muharram 10 will be the Azan-i-Ali Akbar (AS) at Imambargahs citywide in respect of the call to prayer delivered by Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS), the eldest son of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), on the day in Karbala.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2015.