Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): Amid solemn chants, fluttering black standards and thousands of mourners commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), a simple act of compassion quietly reflected the true spirit of Youm-e-Ashoora on the streets of Srinagar.
Among the volunteers serving mourners was Arun Deep Singh, a Sikh resident of Maharaj Gunj Srinagar, who, along with another volunteer, spent the day distributing drinking water to participants in the Ashoora procession, offering relief to people walking for hours under the summer sun.
As the procession passed through Zadibal Chowk, Arun moved through the sea of crowd carrying crates of water bottles, stopping frequently to hand them to mourners. “Ashoora teaches us compassion, sacrifice and service to humanity. Distributing water is a small contribution, but if it eases someone's hardship, I consider it a blessing,” Arun told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Another volunteer, who was assisting on the opposite side of the road and could not be identified due to the heavy rush of mourners, said the service was inspired by humanity rather than religious identity.
“The message of Imam Hussain (AS) belongs to everyone. We are here simply to serve people and express our respect through this humble act,” he said.
The volunteers’ efforts were widely appreciated by mourners, many of whom said such gestures reflected Kashmir's centuries-old tradition of communal harmony, where people from different faiths stand together on important religious occasions.
Observed on the 10th day of Muharram, Youm-e-Ashoora marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who laid down his life along with his companions in the Battle of Karbala while standing against tyranny and injustice. The day continues to symbolise sacrifice, truth, justice and humanity, with thousands across Kashmir participating in mourning processions and acts of community service—(KNO)