Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months alongside adter Dhul-Qi’dah, Rajab, and Dhul-Hijjah and is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which will be started between June 17 and June 26 in the year 2026 as the Ashura or 10th Muharram in India. The word Muharram comes from the tetm haram, which means forbidden and is the second holiest month of Islam after Ramadan.

Shia Muslims mourns the tragedy of Karbala war where the family members, companions, and friends of Imam Hussain martyred in the whole month of Muharram. Shia Muslims also mourns the martyrdom (shahadat) of Imam Hussain and his family members and companions by avoiding any celebration or joyous events. They also hold many events to give condolence to Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad in Karbala war. Shia Muslims organize majlis, chest-beating (matam), and noha in the whole month of Muharram.

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram is known as Ashura because Ashura means tenth. Ashura also honors the martyrdom or sacrifice (shaheed) of Imam Hussain ibne Ali and his family members at the battle of karbala in the year 680 C.E. Muharram (Ashura) is observed through mourning gatherings (majlis) and processions. Muharram (Ashura( will be observed on June 26 in the year 2026 and Shia Muslims start mourning from the chand raat to the tenth night of Muharram. The family members of Imam Hussain was deprived of water from the 7th Muharram. Imam Hussain and his 72 followers including family members and friends were martyred (shaheed) by the soldiers of Yazid at the battle of Karbala.

Shia Muslims wear black clothes and participate in street processions as a way of mourning the martyrdom (shahadat) of Imam Hussain and their family members in the whole month of Muharram. In Ashura, Shia Muslims observed the 10th Muharram in several ways, some observe fast and several participate in religious gatherings on the day of Ashura or the tenth of Muharram.