The event marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala when Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and a Shia Imam, was killed by the forces of the second Umayyad caliph Yazid I. The event is marked by arranging 'majalis' (gatherings) to review Islamic teachings and to commemorate Imam Hussain's sacrifice. The mourning reaches its climax on the tenth day, known as Ashura, on which the forces of Yazid killed the 72 individuals who fought, including Imam Hussain, his family and supporters. The women and children left living were made prisoners and transported to Yazid's court in Damascus.
These photos were taken near Karbala in Jor Bagh where thousands of muslims had assembled.
Ramesh Lalwani
CC BY 2.0
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