Millions commemorate Ashura with mourning processions, and tributes to Imam Hussein
From Karbala to Kashmir, Shia Muslims honor the legacy of Imam Hussein's stand for justice on the 10th of Muharram
KARBALA, Iraq (MNTV) — Millions of Muslims across the globe marked Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred alongside his comrades in the historic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
In Iraq, the holy city of Karbala witnessed one of the largest gatherings as millions of mourners participated in the traditional Rakdha Tuwairaj ritual, according to local news sources.
Pilgrims ran approximately 2 kilometers from the Qantara al-Salam area in Al-Hindiya — formerly Tuwairaj — to the shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting “Labbayk Ya Hussein” in remembrance of his call for help on the day of Ashura.
The ritual, dating back to the mid-19th century, has become a symbol of collective grief and loyalty.
This year’s procession saw the presence of images of both Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei carried by participants.
In Iran, mourning ceremonies were held nationwide, including major events in Kermanshah, Tehran, and Mashhad.
People dressed in black took part in processions, recited elegies, and distributed nazri — free food offerings — as acts of devotion.
The culmination of ten days of mourning, Ashura marks the height of ceremonies in the month of Muharram.
On the eve of Ashura, known as Tasu’a, Iranians paid tribute to Abbas ibn Ali, Imam Hussein’s half-brother, who was martyred while trying to fetch water for the thirsty camp besieged by Umayyad forces.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, thousands joined processions and held mourning gatherings despite heightened security.
Devotees marched through Srinagar and other towns to honor the sacrifices of Karbala. Participants struck their chests in rhythmic mourning chants, and scholars addressed gatherings to emphasize the moral and spiritual lessons of Imam Hussein’s resistance.
In Pakistan, large processions took place in cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad on Sunday.
Mourning rituals featured noha recitations, chest-beating, and passion plays (ta’ziya) reenacting the events of Karbala. Authorities deployed extensive security arrangements to safeguard the commemorations, while community kitchens offered nazri meals to participants.
Pilgrims from across the Muslim world also gathered in Karbala, Iraq, to visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali. Iraqi officials confirmed heightened security and logistical coordination to accommodate the large influx of visitors.
Elsewhere, Shia communities in Lebanon, Bahrain, India, and Azerbaijan observed the day with solemn gatherings, lamentations, and symbolic marches expressing solidarity with the legacy of Karbala.
Ashura serves as a defining religious and ethical commemoration for Shia Muslims, symbolizing the timeless struggle against tyranny and the enduring call for justice, dignity, and moral courage.
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