Muslims mark martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein on Ashura

Millions of people, dressed in black, took to the streets and mosques on Sunday, the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram, to mourn the tragedy on a day known as Ashura.

The annual commemoration is held in different regions of the world during various mourning rituals. Ashura marks the day when Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in the battle against the second Umayyad caliph in Karbala, Iraq, more than 14 centuries ago.

Ashura symbolizes the eternal struggle of truth against falsehood and the battle against injustice and cruelty realized by Imam Hussein as he offered supreme sacrifice to uphold the principles against tyranny.

On Ashura, Iranian mourners hold special ceremonies in line with their local traditions in different cities and offer foods at public venues like mosques.

People also gather to watch Ta’zieh, or the Persian Passion Play which is a ritual dramatic art that recounts religious events, historical and mythical stories and folk tales through poetry, music, song and motion.