Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a month of mourning in remembrance, for Muslims, particularly the Shias. On Ashura, or the 10th day of Muharram, Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Husain, his family and followers were brutally massacred at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in 680 A.D. Here’s a collection of pictures from the processions across the country.
Read more:
As Shia Muslims observe Muharram on September 21, 2018, devotees gather to carry “taziyas”, at a village in Sangli, Maharashtra. The taziya is a model of Imam Husain’s mausoleum in Karbala, Iraq.
The procession of Bibi-ka-Alam passes through Charminar in old city on Muharram in Hyderabad.
A Muharram procession at Jama Masjid in New Delhi.
Shia men participate in a Muharram event near Masjid-e-Askari in Bengaluru.
Devotees carry “taziyas” as they participate in Muharram procession, in Beawar, Rajasthan.
A Muharram procession in Ajmer. Many Shia Muslims fast during the day to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Husain who died in the Shia holy city of Najaf, 160 km south of Baghdad.
Ladakhi students take part in a Muharram procession in Bhopal. Muharram is considered to be a month of remembrance and meditation among Shia Muslims.
Devotees participate in a Muharram procession at Shivamogga in Karnataka.
Shia mourners flagellate themselves during a Muharram procession, at Zadibal in Srinagar. Over the years, Muharram has come to be associated with the fulfilment of wishes of the devotees who exhibit utmost religiosity while observing the rites.
A Muharram procession in Kolkata.
Shia Muslims take out a procession near Bada Imambara in Lucknow on September 20 night. Bada Imambara draws thousands of pilgrims during this event.
Drum beats and “taziyas” mark the Muharram procession in Lucknow. Solful tunes of music are also an important part of the event.
Shias walk with a horse in remembrance of the one that carried Imam Husain.
Shia men flagellate themselves as part of Ashura in Bhopal.
The faithful mourn as they participate in procession in Jammu.