Askole to Hold Central Muharram Procession on July 9, 2025

ASKOLE (Braldo Valley, Shigar) – The central procession of Muharram-ul-Haram in Askole will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, after Zuhr prayers, according to the Akbariya Committee Askole (ACA). The committee has urged all mourners to participate in large numbers and pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala.

This annual procession in Askole stands out across Braldo Valley for its unique timing. While most villages in the region hold their juloos on the 10th of Muharram, Askole continues its longstanding tradition of organizing the procession on the 13th. The tradition carries deep significance for the local community.

Askole is widely recognized as the last major settlement before the trek to K2 and a hub for local and international tourists. Holding the procession on the 13th ensures participation from both the residents and the visitors who are otherwise prevented from traveling to Skardu or beyond due to road closures and Juloos arrangements to safeguard the sanctity of the sacred event.

The delayed procession also enables people from other villages in Braldo—who observe mourning rituals on the 10th—to gather in Askole in large numbers. This convergence strengthens community unity and serves as a powerful symbol of collective remembrance.

Askole’s Muharram procession is not just a local event; it carries broader cultural and spiritual resonance. It unites various indigenous communities, honors the legacy of Imam Hussain (a.s), and reflects on the eternal values of justice, sacrifice, and resistance against tyranny.

Moreover, the presence of international travelers and humanitarian observers in the area adds to the visibility and outreach of this sacred tradition. Even in this remote corner of the world, the message of Karbala continues to echo with clarity and strength.

The ACA has made the necessary arrangements to ensure the procession is held peacefully and respectfully. The Askole community invites all to join in commemorating the tragedy of Karbala in a spirit of dignity, unity, and faith.