Administrator
26 June 2026
*Muharram procession in Ranchi near Punjab Sweet.
All roads were shut as scores of Shia Muslims took part in the procession. They were equipped with swords, lathis and flags. Many of them played with these lethal weapons, a feature common among the Muslim community during Muharram.
Around the circle of the Albert Ekka Chowk, city centre of Ranchi, sword, lathi and flag carriers moved in procession. They filled the space.
The police were on foot patrol watching the Muharram procession. The state administration and traffic police had drawn up elaborate traffic regulation and diversion plans ahead of Muharram. They ensured the smooth conduct of processions and prevented accidents.
However, the responsibility of the police has not ended as Muharram processions are slated to be taken out by two Muslim communities across the state on two days.
Today, the Muharram processions were taken out by Shia Muslims. On June 27, Sunni Muslims are slated to take out Muharram processions in the state capital.
In effect, apart from the police and civil officers who were involved in maintaining law and order, the government offices remain closed for three days - Friday and Saturday, followed by a weekly Sunday holiday.
As it is, Muharram marks the first month of the Islamic calendar and is regarded as one of its most sacred periods. Religious observances, commemorative processions, and prayer gatherings are being held in many cities.
State governments and local administrations have either announced or are expected to follow holiday schedules covering educational institutions and several public offices for three days, though the Muharram was observed for a day on Friday.
Yet, since processions were taken out by Shiya and Sunni Muslim communities on Friday and Saturday respectively, and Sunday stands as a weekly holiday, students, staff, and officers got a three-day holiday in effect.
Muharram is the opening month of the Islamic calendar and holds deep religious importance for Muslims. The observance is closely linked with Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala. Mourning processions, religious gatherings, and prayer meetings are organised in different parts of the country during this period.
Across the state, state government offices, schools, and colleges remained closed for Muharram, leaving the people free from schools, colleges and offices for three days.
