Muharram celebration across India

Muhharam is also referred as the ‘Sacred month of Allah’ by Prophet Muhammad- Muharram marks the celebration of the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is regarded as one of the most pious and auspicious months in the year, by the Muslims all around the world. The word ‘Muharram’ means forbidden. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned by Allah when warfare is forbidden. (Photo: PTI)

Ashura, the 10th day in this month, honors the passing of the third Shia imam and grandson of Muhammad, Husayn ibn Ali. On 10 Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680), Husayn was murdered at the Battle of Karbala alongside the majority of his male family and his small entourage by the army of Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Mu'awiya. This year the day of Ashura will be observed on July 17. (Photo: AP)

Shiite Muslim girls sing religious songs as they carry a symbolic dead body of Imam Hussein during a Muharram Procession in Kolkata. (Photo: AP)

Shiite Muslims mourn during a Muharram procession in Mumbai. (Photo: AP)

Kashmiri Shi'ite mourners carry a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession ahead of Ashura to show solidarity with Palestinians on the 8th of Muharram on July 15, 2024. (Photo: AP)

Kashmiri Shiite Muslims participate in an Ashoura procession in Srinagar, Kashmir. (Photo: AP)

Indian Muslims look on during a procession to mark Ashoura in Jammu. (Photo: AP)

A Shiite Muslim breaks a light tube on his head during a Muharram procession in Lucknow. (Photo: AP)