RAWALPINDI, March 15: Ashura was observed on Friday with religious reverence and solemnity to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions, who laid down their lives in Karbala for the glory of Islam and uprightness of truth and justice.

The day dawned with Azan-i-Ali Akbar at most of the Imambargahs where the devotees had gathered for Majlis Subh-i-Ashur.

Later, Amaal-i-Ashura were offered. Majalis-i- Aza were held in mosques, Imambargahs and at certain open venues.

Zuljinah and Alam processions were taken out from different places. The main Zuljinah, Alam and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargah Col 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 procession.

The mourners, mostly clad in black, beat their chests while some flagellated themselves. A large number of women had also gathered to witness the procession. Most of them were present in the balconies, while others stood along the sides of the streets.

The participants recited Nohas and Salams all day long, in which they paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Karbala. All the processions joined in at Fawara Chowk, where Majlis Asr-i-Ashur was delivered.

Zakireen, speaking on this occasion, paid homage to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions and highlighted the sufferings faced by the family of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) at the hands of the then despotic ruler of Damascus, Yazid. Prior to this, Friday prayer congregation was held at Trunk Bazaar.

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

Sabeels had also been set up for providing water and drinks to the mourners. Banners had been fixed all along the route of the procession by various religious organizations.

The procession after passing through Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road and Banni Chowk culminated at Qadeemi Imambargah.

Police personnel were deployed to guard the Ashura processions, Imambargahs, mosques and other places of worship. Armymen also patrolled several parts of the city.

The Zakireen at Majalis-i-Sham-i-Ghariban apprised the mourners about the sufferings and the cruelty which Imam Hussain’s heirs faced at the hands of the army of Yazid following his martyrdom.

Majalis-i-Sham-i-Ghariban, one of the major events of the day of Ashura, were held at Jamiatul Murtaza G/9-4, Qasr-i-Imam Musa Kazim, Imambargah Jamia Imam As Sadiq, Imambargah G/6-2, Ali Masjid, Imambargah Zainul Abideen, Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, Imambargah Col Maqbool Hussain, Azakhana Ali Sarkar, Qasr-i- Sajjadia, Khanna Kak; Imambargah Qasrul Hasnain, Bangash Colony; Qadeemi Imambargah, Darbar Shah Chan Charagh, Imambargah Fatimia, Azakhana Abu Muhammad Rizvi, Qasr-i-Abu Talib and Imambargah Nasirul Aza.

Meanwhile, a procession commemorating the Karbala tragedy was brought out in Chuhr area on Saturday, which was attended by a large number of people. Several philanthropist organizations had set up Sabeels and medical camps.

OUR CHAKWAL CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Ashura was observed with religious fervour in the district.

Chakwal was one of the sensitive districts in the Punjab. However, no untoward incident was reported as army troops patrolled the area.

OUR TAXILA CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Youm-i-Ashur remained peaceful in Taxila, Wah Cantt and Hassanabdal.

The local administration and law enforcement agencies had taken foolproof arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.

Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah processions were brought out in Taxila, Wah Cantt and Hassanabdal, which, after passing through their traditional routes, culminated at the main Imambargahs.

Zakirs, Nauhakhawans and religious scholars highlighted the significance of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, who laid down their lives for the supremacy of justice and righteousness.