The shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain is all lit up on Muharram in Karbala

This festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This festival starts on the 1st day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts for 10 days, till 10th of Muharram.

During this month (corresponding to October 680 A.D.), Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family members and a number of his followers while on a journey, were surrounded by the forces of Yazid bin Muaviya, emperor of the Islamic state at that time. Imam Husain and his companions braved severe hunger and thirst for three consecutive days before facing inhuman atrocities by the army of Yazid. During the siege, almost all of them were put to death by the order given by Hur Bin Yazid.

This incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq, in the 61st year after Hijra. This day is known as Yaume Aashura. This dispute was result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali (father of Hazrat Imam Hussain), the fourth caliph.

The muslims observe this as a day of mourning. Prayers and fatihas are held and food is given to the poor and needy. The Shias, however, observe this festival in a different way. As the month Muharram approaches, Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. On the 10th day of Muharram, processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets. They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their bodies with a 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.