Thousands of Shia Muslims gathered in central Mumbai on Monday to commemorate the sacred Shia Muslim ritual of Arbaeen. The event was organized by All India IDAARA -E-Tahafuz- E-Husainiat.
The event, also known in Urdu and Hindi as Chehlum, marks the 40th day of mourning following the massacre of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein in the desert of Karbala, a date celebrated for the past 1,400 years. It has been practiced in Mumbai for the last 100 years.
Security was heightened for the event as thousands of mourners passed through the streets of Mumbai in procession, hitting themselves with sharp objects to offer their sacrifice to the Holy Prophet's family.
Several appeals were made to ban the procession after concern was raised regarding the ritualistic self-harming involved in the event. Court intervention issued rules regulating minors from taking part and restrictions on the use of certain dangerous weapons.
(With inputs from Ruptly)
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
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