Shi'ites observe Muharram amidst tight security

Srinagar/Gwalior, Jan 20 : Shi'ites in Srinagar and Gwalior observed Muharram, their most sacred religious ritual, amidst tight security on Sunday.

Thousands participated in the Muharram procession and mourned on the occasion.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government had made elaborate arrangements in advance to ensure cleanliness in and around the areas from where the processions would cross.

To ensure uninterrupted power supply, authorities installed generators and 300 halogen lamps.

Mohammed Shafi, a health official, said: "For Zuljinah processions we have taken all the safety measures. The Health Department has made all the arrangements. We have stock medicines and volunteers are posted in the area to take care of the situation."

Meanwhile, a similar spirit was evident in Gwalior, where people gathered in large numbers to participate in the procession.

Hundreds of people, including children, walked on fire to mourn the death of Imam Hussain.

Khalim, a resident, said: "We have 140 trained followers to walk on the fire. People whose wishes have been fulfilled come here. Women, who could not conceive, as well as women, who have attained motherhood, come here with their newborns to attend the ceremony."

Every year, Muslims across the world mourn the tragedy of Karbala on the tenth day of the Muharram month.

It was on this day that Imam Hussain was killed by the army of Yazid, who was said to be usurper of the Caliphate or a self appointed successor to the Prophet.

Imam Hussain was killed along with his 72 relatives, friends and supporters.

ANI