How and Why The Muharram Festival Is Celebrated

Muharram is a great Muslim festival. It is celebrated in honor of the memory of Imam Hassan and Hossain.

History, Story and Significance of Muharram

Hassan and Hossain were sons of Hazrat Muhammad’s daughter. Their father Ali was the Caliph. A man of the name of Mabia was the Governor of Damascus at that time. Mabia became powerful after some conquests and wanted to make his son Yezid, the Caliph. Ali was put to death and his son Hassan was also poisoned to death. Mabia died a short time after this. Yezid now declared war against Hossain. Hossain fled to mecca from Coofa. After Sometime, the people of Coofa promised to help Hossain. Hossain started for Coofa through the desert. Hungry and thirsty Hossain with his men reached a place named Karbala on the bank of a stream. At this place he was surrounded by his enemy. He lived for ten days without food or drink and was at last killed by Yezid’s men.

How does They Celebrate The Muharram Festival

The battle of Karbala lasted for the first ten days in the month of ‘Muharram’. The festival, therefore, begins of the first day of new moon in the month of Muharram and continues for ten days.

During these days devout Musalmans fast during the day time. Some young musalmans dress themselves as soldiers and hold mock fight in memory of the battle of Karbala, Taziahs are made of bamboo structures covered with coloured papers and decorated beautifully. They are symbols of Hossain’s tomb.

On the tenth day of the festrival Musalmans carry these Taziahs in a procession through the roads. At this time some of them cry, ‘Hai Hossain’ and beat their chest again and again.

On the eleventh day, These Taziahsare immersed in to the tanks or rivers. After the immersion, the Musalman return home, have a feast. The festival teaches the lessions of unity, purity and fellow felling among the Muslims.

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Originally published at https://www.surfmyindia.com.