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Moharram
Moharram festival marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. He was the grandson of the Holy Prophet. The festival begins on the 1st day of Moharram and lasts for 10 days. It lasts till 10th of Moharram. Moharram is supposed to be the first month of Islamic calendar.
During this month, Hazrat Imam Hussain was on a journey along with his family members and a number of his followers. At that time, they were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, who was the Muslim ruler of the time. During the attack, they were deprived of food and water. They were succumbed to torture and many among them were put to death. This particular incident happened at Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute arised due to disagreement among Muslims. This was on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph.
There are some sects of Muslims who hold meetings. Here the speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala. Moharram celebrations are enjoyed differently by the Shias. As the day arrives. On the first month of the Muslim year, they put on black clothes. This is because black is regarded as a color of mourning. Majalis are held every day during the first nine days of the festival. Here shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. They talk about him in detail. On the 10th day of Moharram, there are some large processions. These processions are formed and followers hold banners and walk in the street. They have models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people who fell at Karbala. People show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on themselves. This is done using a sharp metal tied to chain. People scourge themselves with this metal chain. This act is done to depict the sufferings of the martyrs. It is meant to be a sad occasion. Everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain". Usually, a white horse is beautifully decorated for the occasion. This is also included in the procession. This is to mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom.
During these first ten days of Moharram, there are drinking posts which are set up temporarily. This is done by the Shia community. Here water and juices are served to all, free of cost.
The month of Moharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gives His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.
Allah created Hazrat Adam in this month. He also pardoned him of his mistake. If you are thinking on what to mourn about, then here is the answer. The tenth day of Moharram or Ashura is of supreme importance for Shia Muslims. This is because they celebrate the death anniversary of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.