Shia cleric seeks permission to take out processions in Lucknow

Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas has written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking permission to hold processions in the city. Each year on the 19th and 21st day of Ramadan month, a procession takes place in Lucknow in memory of Imam Hazrat Ali.

Lucknow: Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas has written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking permission to hold processions in the city.

Every year on the 19th and 21st day of Ramadan month, a procession held in Lucknow in remembrance of Imam Hazrat Ali. Thousands of mourners and devotees participate in these processions to remember the martyrdom of Imam Hazrat Ali.

On the 19th day of Ramadan month, this procession leaves from Kazman and goes to Victoria Street. While on the 21st day, the procession starts from Najaf and ends at the biggest Talkatora Karbala.

However, last year due to the Covid-19 lockdown, this 150-year-old tradition was broken. This year, Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas wants to take out the procession by observing Covid-19 guidelines.

Maulana added when assembly elections can be held in five states of the country, the processions could also be taken out by observing the guidelines.

However, his plans are facing opposition from Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission. Sardar Parvinder Singh, a member of Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, said the procession will only aggravate the present condition.

"I oppose this demand and appeal that all classes cooperate with the state in such difficult times," he said.