Shias Mourn on the ‘Ashura’ or the 10th Day of Muharram

On the occasion of Muharram, Shias across India mourned the loss of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.

A boy participates in mourning during a Muharram procession, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Image Courtesy: PTI

On the day of Muharram, Shias across India mourned the loss of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. Imam Hussain, along with his companions, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of Muharram or ‘Ashura’.

People express their grief by self-flagellation rituals and processions with chants of 'Ya Hussain'.

By flagellation and mourning we wish to convey our message to Imam Hussain that if we were present on that day in Karbala, we would have sacrificed our lives to save the lives of him and his family.

Local Resident, Moradabad

Muharram also marks the start of the Islamic calendar.