Why it matters:
India is home to one of the world’s largest Shiite populations, and these commemorations highlight the deep-rooted religious and cultural ties that Shiite communities maintain despite geographic and sectarian diversity.
The big picture:
Mourning ceremonies took place from the northern mountainous regions of Kargil and Sankoo to the southern cities of Bangalore and Mumbai. Other key cities, including Amroha, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Delhi, and Meerut, also witnessed large gatherings of mourners clad in black, engaging in traditional rituals of lamentation.
Key points:
- Mourners dressed in black, took part in processions, chanting elegies and beating on their chests in a display of grief.
- The ceremonies were held last night and throughout the day.
- The widespread participation showcased the unity of Shiite Muslims in India in honoring the memory of their revered leader.
Go deeper:
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