RAWALPINDI, March 3: Yaum-i-Ashur was observed here on Tuesday with religious reverence and solemnity amidst strict security arrangements. The day dawned with Aazan-i-Ali Akbar at most of the Imambargahs, where the devotees gathered for Majlis-i-Subh-i- Ashur.

Later, Aamaal-i-Ashura (rituals of the Ashura day) were performed. Majalis were held in mosques, Imambargahs and at certain open venues and Zuljinah and Alam processions were taken out from different places.

The main Zuljinah, Alam and Tazia processions were taken out from Imambargah Col Maqbool Hussain, College Road and Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, Bohar Bazar. Zuljinah processions were taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohallah, Darbar Shah Chan Chiragh, and Imambargah Kashmirian Tyre Bazar also joined the main procession.

A large number of women also gathered to witness the processions. The participants recited Nohas (mourning songs) and Salam all the daylong, wherein they paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Karbala war.

All the processions culminated at Fawwara Chowk, where Majlis-i-Asre Ashur was held. Zakireen paid homage to Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions and highlighted the sufferings faced by the family of the holy prophet in 61st Hijri at the hands of the then despotic ruler of Damascus, Yazid. Prior to this, Zuhr prayer congregation was held at Trunk Bazar.

The volunteer organizations, including Imamia Organisation, Pak Hyderi Scouts, Edhi Trust, Civil Defence and Mukhtar Students Organisation had set up mobile medical camps to give first aid to the mourners. Sabeels had also been set up for providing water and beverages to the mourners.

Banners displaying the messages of Imam Hussain (A.S), concerning his travel to Karbala and highlighting the philosophy of mourning were fixed all along the route of the procession by various religious organizations.

After passing through Iqbal Road, Fawwara Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road and Banni Chowk, the procession culminated at Qadeemi Imambargah.

Police personnel were deployed to guard the Ashura processions, Imambargahs, mosques and other places of worship. Police and army men also patrolled various parts of the twin cities.

All the participants of the processions were subjected to strict body searches so as to avoid any untoward incident. Besides, most of the roads and streets, connecting the main procession route, had been closed with barbed wire.

Majalis Sham-i-Ghariban were held at various Imambargahs where Zakireen delivered speeches, highlighting the sufferings of Imam Hussain (A.S) his family and companions.