| Muharram
festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain,
the grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This
festival starts at the 1st day of Muharram and lasts for 10
days until 10th of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of
Islamic calendar. |
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| During this
month, while on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family
members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the
forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time. During the
siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them
were put to death. The incident happened at a place called
Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute was
result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of
succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth
caliph. |
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| Some sects of
Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the
happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. The Shias,
however, observe this festival in a different fasion. As
Muharram, the first month of the Muslim year, approaches,
they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color
of mourning. Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during
the first nine days where shia orators relate the incident
of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party in a
great detail. On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions
are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets
holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of
Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala.
They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on
their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which
they scourge themselves. This is done in order to depict the
sufferings of the martyrs. It is a sad occasion and everyone
in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", with loud wails of
lamentation. Generally a white horse beautifully decorated
for the occasion, is also included in the procession, to
mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his
martyrdom. |
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| During these
first ten days of Muharram, drinking posts are also set up
temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are
served to all, free of charge. |
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