Srinagar, June 25 -- Srinagar- As the clock approaches 4 pm, hundreds of black-clad mourners begin a solemn journey into the interiors of Dal Lake, making their way towards one of Kashmir's most unique Muharram processions.

Far from the busy boulevard and the lake's tourist hotspots, the centuries-old tradition unfolds in Kand Mohalla, where devotees gather every year on 9th Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala.

Mourners first travel more than a kilometre from the main road into the interior parts of Dal Lake before beginning a walk through a maze of narrow pathways, floating settlements and wooden bridges.

After reaching the lakeside channels, groups of devotees board boats carrying ...