BK CORRESPONDENT

Srinagar, July 5: On the solemn 9th day of Muharram, a unique and deeply moving tradition unfolded on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, as mourners held a floating Muharram procession aboard shikaras — the iconic wooden boats of Kashmir.
Originating from Mir Behri (inner Dal Lake) and concluding at Kaenkech in Rainawari, the procession saw rows of shikaras moving slowly and solemnly, their occupants dressed in black, reciting elegies and commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala.
Rooted in the daily life of Dal’s water-bound communities, this aquatic procession has evolved into a powerful spiritual and cultural expression. “For us, grief travels by water,” said one mourner. “These boats become our floating shrines of remembrance.”
Now in its 16th consecutive year, the tradition has grown in both scale and significance. Tourists and locals alike gathered to witness the event, as cries of "Ya Hussain" echoed across the lake.
“This procession unites us,” another participant shared. “It’s not just a Shia observance. Sunni brothers actively help organise it. It’s a shared Kashmiri tradition of faith and remembrance.”
Muharram, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) in 680 CE, continues to serve as a timeless reminder of resistance, justice, and unity. As one mourner said, “The lesson of Karbala is to stand for truth, even in the face of tyranny. That message belongs to all humanity.”
The floating procession of Dal Lake, blending faith, culture, and community spirit, remains one of the Valley’s most poignant symbols of unity and collective mourning.