This is the first time in the last 35 years that a head of the state here has joined the Muharram procession, officials said.

The administration had on Thursday allowed the Eighth day Muharram procession to pass through the traditional route from Gurubazaar to Dalgate -- a first in 34 years.

Dressed in a black Kurta, Sinha joined the procession at Bota Kadal in the Zadibal area of Downtown the interior areas of the city, escorted by a tight security cover, they said.

Sinha during his outing interacted with mourners, and also distributed refreshments among them, officials said.

Senior officials from the police and civil administration accompanied the LG, they officials. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said strict security arrangements had been made ahead of the Ashura procession.