The eighth of Muharram in Lucknow was marked with solemn remembrance and deep emotion as the city witnessed the traditional Juloos-e-Alam-e-Fateh Furaat, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), brother of Imam Hussain (a.s.). The procession started from Dariyawaali Masjid near the Gomti River and culminated at Imambara Gufranmaab in Chowk.
As the alam (standard) was brought out, cries of "Ya Sakina, Ya Abbas" echoed through the streets, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Thousands of mourners, many barefoot, participated in the procession.
Along the route, people offered floral tributes, while women and children waited to do ziyarat of the alam. Burning torches led the way, followed by groups of mourners performing chest-beating (seena-zani).
The day began with majalis held at key Imambaras. Ulama recalled the painful sacrifice of Hazrat Abbas, whose unmatched loyalty and courage in Karbala are remembered as a symbol of selfless devotion. Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, speaking at Imambara Gufranmaab, emphasized unity and fearlessness in preserving faith and tradition. “If we are not united, systems will crush us. Our strength lies in ittehad,” he said.
Mourning gatherings also included religious sermons and marsiyas. Maulana Murad Raza, Maulana Misam Zaidi, and Maulana Mohammad Miyan Abdi highlighted the justice-oriented rule of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the humanistic legacy of Karbala.
At various locations, large dastarkhwan (community meals) were set up in Hazrat Abbas’s memory. Women prepared special offerings like sheermal, kebabs, and paratha, later distributed as nazr.
The mournful yet spiritually uplifting day concluded with mourners reaffirming their dedication to the values of sacrifice, justice, and humanity that Karbala continues to inspire. The Juloos-e-Shab-e-Ashoora will be held tonight from Imambara Nazim Sahab, extending the city’s observance of Muharram.
