RAWALPINDI, Jan 31: Yom-i-Ashur was observed here on Tuesday with religious solemnity and fervour. Majalis and processions began soon after Fajr prayers and continued throughout the day. The main Zuljinah, Alam and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain, College Road, and Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, Bohar Bazaar.

Zuljinah processions taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Teli Mohallah, Darbar Shah Chan Chiragh, and Imambargah Kashmirian, Tyre Bazaar, also joined the main processions. All the processions joined up at Fawara Chowk, where Majlis Asr-i-Ashur, the climax of the annual 10-day mourning ritual, was delivered.

Speaking on this occasion, Zakireen paid homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions and highlighted the sufferings endured by the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The mourners, mostly clad in black, were wailing, weeping, crying and pounding their chests. Some were whipping themselves with chains. A large number of women also witnessed the processions.

“We are expressing our love for Imam Hussain (RA) and have come here to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his followers, said young Imran, 8, who had come to Imambargah Colonel Maqbool with his father.

The participants recited Nohas and Salams all day long paying tribute to the martyrs of Karbala. Different organizations had set up camps throughout the routes of the processions to facilitate the mourners. Sabils of water, sharbat and tea were also arranged.

Voluntary organizations, including Imamia Organization, Pak Hydari Scouts, Edhi Trust, Civil Defence and Mukhtar Students Organization, had set up mobile medical camps to give first aid to the mourners.

A security blanket was thrown around the venue of the processions in view of the recent series of suicide blasts in the country. The mourners had to pass through several check points.

A police official said that security forces were on the highest alert for possible attacks by terrorists. “We have orders to search everyone entering the venue and police are enforcing the directive strictly,” he said.

No untoward incident was reported from any part of the twin cities. After passing through Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road and Banni Chowk, the processions culminated at Qadeemi Imambargah where Majlis Sham-i-Ghariban was delivered.—Staff Reporter