Festivals of Moharram

Moharram

Shias Muslims observe Moharram to commemorate the s hahadat (martyrdom) of Iman Hussein (Prophet Mohammed's grandson), who died at Karbala , while fighting for the cause of Islam. It is a day of mourning, observed on the 10th and 11th day of the month of Muharram, after sighting the moon. Tazias , glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb, are carried in grand processions through the streets. The Tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour. Devotees mourn by beating their chests. Some even inflict wounds on themselves in the process.