Muharram: Peace and prayer mark Ashura observance across Maha

Mumbai, June 26 (IANS) Across Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra, observance of Muharram (Ashura) on Friday brought a solemn, reflective atmosphere to both major urban hubs and rural districts.

The day’s events highlight a mix of deep religious significance and state-wide coordination.

As a gazetted public holiday in Maharashtra, the state experienced a widespread pause in commercial activity.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) remained closed for trading.

Physical bank branches across the state were shut, which, combined with the upcoming fourth Saturday and Sunday, kicked off a three-day weekend for banking professionals.

Government administrative offices, municipal corporations, schools, and colleges across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur remained entirely closed.

As far as the Shia community is concerned, the day was marked with distinct, quiet reverence.

Traditional Tazia processions (carrying beautifully decorated replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussain) moved along designated routes, particularly in south Mumbai neighbourhoods such as Bhendi Bazaar, Dongri, and Crawford Market.

Mourners dressed in black gathered for Majlis (sermons) to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala.

In the Sunni community, many observed the day through voluntary fasting (Roza), special prayers at local mosques, and charity.

True to local tradition, various communities set up Sabeels (stalls) along the procession routes to distribute water, milk, and sweet sherbet to attendees and passersby.

Given the scale of the afternoon and evening processions, the Mumbai Police and local traffic authorities across cities like Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) implemented pre-planned traffic diversions early in the day.

The deployments ensured that the traditional mourning walks proceeded safely without disrupting emergency services or public transit.

–IANS

sj/dan