Muharram

Muharram is celebrated as the death anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussein. The day along with all the Muslims in the world is observed especially by the Shia community. Tazias, the tomb is carried in procession through the streets during the festival. It is celebrated with great zeal in some major parts of India including the states of Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

On the day, people beat their chest in mourning to the tune of beating drums and chant Ya Hussain. Devotees beat themselves and even obtrude wounds on their own bodies. The mourning starts from the 1^st day of Muharram and lasts for 10 days, till the 10^th of the Muharram.

Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar. During this month, on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time. They all were them made deprived of food and water and some were even put to death. The incident took place in Karbala in Iraq.

The shias observe the day through wearing black clothes, which is considered as the mourning color.Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of Karbala.On the 10th day of Muharram, the devotees lead a parade in the streets holding banners and models of Hazrat Imam Hussain and the people who fell at Karbala. They even show their grief through inflicting wounds on their own bodies with a sharp metal.