Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): Ashoora observance across Kashmir on Friday witnessed a visible rise in participation from Sunni Muslim volunteers, with Sabeels and refreshment stalls emerging as key symbols of unity, service and shared remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).
From Srinagar’s downtown to parts of Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Pulwama, volunteers from different communities were seen jointly distributing water, milk and refreshments to thousands of mourners participating in Ashoora processions and gatherings.
Dozens of Sabeels were set up across Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Pulwama, where Sunni Muslim volunteers worked alongside local residents and religious groups, serving devotees along roadsides and at temporary stalls.
Zubair Ahmad, a volunteer from Srinagar who set up a stall in downtown, said the spirit of service goes beyond sectarian identity. “This is not about Sunni or Shia. This is about Imam Hussain (AS) and humanity. We are all here to serve,” Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
In Budgam, similar scenes were witnessed where local Sunni volunteers helped manage water distribution points and assisted elderly mourners and security personnel during the day-long observance.
A volunteer from Baramulla said participation has grown over the years. “Every year, more people join. We feel it is our duty to serve those remembering Karbala,” he said.
In several areas, joint community efforts were visible, with residents setting up temporary stalls along roadsides, offering water, tea and juice to mourners, police personnel and passersby amid heavy footfall.
Meanwhile, in a heartwarming gesture in Budgam, little children were seen distributing water to security forces deployed on Ashoora duty. Notably, the day-long Ashura observance across the Valley concluded peacefully amid elaborate security arrangements, traffic diversions and civic support systems—(KNO)