The Day of Ashura, the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala, 3rd Shia Imam, Hussein ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred by the forces of Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad the tyrant of the time), is marked across the world.
In the Battle of Karbala, Imam Hussain fought against an army from Kufa on Muharram 10, 61(October 10, 680 ), who were mercenary soldiers of Yazid ibn Mu'awiya, the second Umayyad caliph.
The Battle of Karbala is the most sorrowful incident in the history of Islam, especially for the Shiites. Hence, they hold huge mourning ceremonies every year during the first (10) days of Muharram.
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn day of mourning the martyrdom of Hussein at Karbala.
It is marked by holding mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom.
Shia men and women dress in black and also parade through the streets, slapping their chests and chanting.
Muharram mourning ceremonies are one of Shia culture's most important rituals and customs. Every year, Shias in every part of the world commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH).
M.Majdi - Hossein Vaez
