Monday 5 January 2026 - 12:27
Grand Varanasi Procession Marks Birth Anniversary of Imam Ali, Showcasing Alawi Devotion and Interfaith Harmony

A grand religious procession was held in the ancient Indian city of Varanasi to commemorate the birth anniversary of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), the Commander of the Faithful, drawing widespread participation from people of diverse social, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

Hawzah News Agency- The procession, marked by its scale and organization, turned the streets of Varanasi into a vivid display of devotion to Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and reflected the deep-rooted love for the Alawi tradition among the participants. Men, women, and youth from various walks of life joined the march, underscoring the broad social appeal of the Imam’s personality and teachings.

As the procession moved through the city, chants of “Ya Ali” and “Haidar, Haidar” resonated across neighborhoods, filling the atmosphere with spiritual fervor and remembrance of the revered Islamic figure. Participants expressed their devotion and emotional attachment to the legacy of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), transforming the event into a powerful public manifestation of faith.

Beyond its religious significance, the ceremony stood out as a lasting symbol of peaceful interfaith coexistence and social unity in Varanasi. Followers of different religions and sects lined the procession route, welcoming participants by sprinkling flower petals, distributing drinking water and sweets, and offering gestures of goodwill. These scenes of mutual respect and solidarity were widely noted as a reflection of India’s pluralistic social fabric and the unifying moral appeal of Imam Ali’s teachings.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Hojatoleslam Firuz Banarsi, an Indian missionary and cleric, highlighted the humanistic and social dimensions of the Alawi way of life. He stated that Imam Ali’s approach places strong emphasis on human dignity, justice, compassion, and service to society, values that remain urgently relevant in the contemporary world.

“Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is not only a symbol of faith and spiritual authority, but also a standard-bearer of humanity, ethics, and empathy throughout human history,” Banarsi said, adding that adherence to these principles is essential for addressing modern social challenges.

Observers described the procession as orderly, dignified, and spiritually uplifting, praising it as a prominent symbol of Alawi love, social cohesion, and the promotion of universal human and divine values. Organizers and participants alike expressed hope that such events would continue to foster interfaith understanding, moral awareness, and communal harmony in society.

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