Huge crowds gather to celebrate Ashura in Bradford

The procession took place on Great Horton Road and the surrounding streets, and free food was handed out to those in the area.

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in the year 680.

It is considered a holy day in the Islamic calendar, significant for both the Sunni and Shi’a sects, and followers embark on a yearly parade to mark the occasion.

Processions are held worldwide on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Mohammed, 27 and from Bradford, was one attendee at this year’s event.

“I think things like this are important because they are part of our faith and identity,” he said.

“If they are watching or looking from afar, people might not understand it, but that’s why it’s good for people to speak with one another, that’s how we learn about what others believe in.

“This parade is part of who we are and what we believe in.”

Aisha, 23 and from Bradford, gave a similar view.

“People can be confused and when they see something like this, and we get that, but it’s about talking to each other,” she said.

“It’s a celebration of our religion and it’s something that matters to us.

“There were older people, younger people, kids and families and men and women – it was a nice mix of different crowds.”

One attendee at the procession added that the parade was a reflection of Bradford’s diversity.

The man, who preferred not to give his name, said: “Everyone has the right to practice their beliefs – and that’s even more important in a multi-cultural city like Bradford, because we have so many different faiths and cultures here.

“The event went well and it was nice to be able to express our faiths. There was free food and everyone treated each other with respect.

“The police were there because there was such a large crowd, and we thank them for giving their time.”

A photo from the 2019 Ashura procession on Great Horton Road

One 55-year-old man who was there, who also declined to mention his name, added: “We’re grateful that we’re allowed to practice our faith and beliefs so openly like this in Bradford.

“It’s part of what makes our city such a special and nice place.”