Muharram occupies an important place in the Islamic calendar, particularly among Shia communities.
It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn at Karbala.
Not a Festival, but a Remembrance
It is important not to describe Muharram simply as a "festival" of celebration.
For many participants it is a period of mourning, remembrance and religious reflection. Processions, gatherings, majlis (religious assemblies) and taziya displays may occur.
Where in India
Cities with long-established Shia traditions have distinctive Muharram observances.
Lucknow — The Nawabi city has one of India's deepest Shia cultural heritages. Processions along Chowk and Hussainabad are historic.
Hyderabad — Historic Muharram processions from Bibi Ka Alawa.
Kashmir — Shia communities in Ladakh and the Valley observe Muharram with devotion.