Moharram

(click on the picture to see more images and then click miniatures to enlarge the photos) India, Hyderabad. The Day of Ashura is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks, for Shia Muslims, the climax of the remembrance of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala (now in Iraq) on 10 th of Muharram in the year 680 CE or AD. The massacre of Husayn with a small group of his companions and family members has ever been remembered with sorrow and passion by Shia Muslims. The Sheikh of the mosque retells the story of the Battle of Karbala to allow the listeners to relive the pain and sorrow endured by Husayn and his family. Participants congregate in public processions for ceremonial chest beating. Certain traditional flagellation rituals use a sword. Other rituals involve the use of a chain with blades. These religious customs show solidarity with Husayn and his family. Through them, people mourn Husayn's death and regret the fact that they were not present at the battle to fight and save Husayn and his family. Some Shias also believe that taking part in Ashura washes away their sins.