Muharram

Muharram is observed by Muslims to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (Prophet Mohammed’s grandson) who died in the bloody massacre at Karbala in 680 AD. There is a period of fasting, and then glittery Taziyas (tombs made of bamboo and paper to replicate Hussain’s tomb) are created and carried out into the city streets. Huge processions follow these taziyas and people are seen beating their chests mourning the slaying of Hussain. At the end of the procession, devotees end their fast and give away clothes, food and money to the poor and the downtrodden.