The Jammu and Kashmir government decided to reschedule the Ashura holiday, originally planned for the 28th of July, to the following day, the 29th of July. This decision came about after the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board received a request from Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam. 

The significance of Ashura lies in the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) during the historic Battle of Karbala. Interestingly, this day also holds religious importance as it is believed to be the day when Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was born in the month of Muharram.

Breaking a decades-long tradition, the Shia community in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, held a Muharram procession on its traditional route through the Lal Chowk area. The administration allowed a two-hour window, from 6 am to 8 am, during which hundreds of mourners peacefully marched from Gurubazaar to Dalgate, carrying flags and chanting together.

National Conference leader, Omar Abdullah, expressed his approval of the government's decision and took the opportunity to call for the release of religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He also urged for prayers to be allowed at Jamia Masjid and Eidgah without any restrictions.

The Muharram procession caused significant traffic disruptions in the city, with Omar Abdullah himself having to walk from his residence on Gupkar Road to his office at Nawa-i-Subah due to the early morning event.

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