Day of Ashura* (*estimated) in India
Day of Ashura* is a holiday in India. Day of Ashura* is called Day of Ashura* (*estimated) in India
When is Day of Ashura* in India
Day of Ashura* is celebrated on 28, July, 2023 in India.
About Day of Ashura* (*estimated) in India
The Day of Ashura, also known as Muharram, is an important religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide, including India. It falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. However, it is important to note that the observance of Ashura can vary among different sects of Islam and regions within India.
Ashura holds great significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims, but it is particularly significant for Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. This event is considered a defining moment in Islamic history and symbolizes the struggle between justice and oppression.
In India, the observance of Ashura varies from region to region. In some areas, particularly in Shia-majority regions like Lucknow and Hyderabad, the day is marked by large processions and public gatherings. Shia Muslims participate in processions known as “Tazia” where replicas of the mausoleum of Imam Hussein are carried through the streets. These processions are accompanied by mourning rituals, recitation of elegies, and reenactments of the Battle of Karbala.
On Ashura, many Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, observe a fast to commemorate the day. The fast can vary in its duration, with some observing a one-day fast, while others may continue fasting for the first ten days of Muharram. Breaking the fast with a meal called “Niaz” is a common practice, where people distribute food to others, including the poor and needy.
Apart from the religious significance, Ashura also serves as a time for reflection and self-purification. It is a time for Muslims to remember the values of sacrifice, justice, and standing against oppression. It is also an occasion for the community to come together, strengthen bonds, and support one another.
While Ashura is primarily observed by Muslims, it is not a public holiday in India. However, in areas with significant Muslim populations, there may be local arrangements made to facilitate the processions and gatherings associated with Ashura.
History of Day of Ashura* (*estimated) in India
The Day of Ashura is an important religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide, including in India. While it is difficult to estimate the exact history of the holiday in India, it is believed to have been observed for centuries.
The origins of the Day of Ashura can be traced back to early Islamic history. It commemorates significant events for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. For Sunnis, it marks the day when Prophet Muhammad observed the fasting on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, to commemorate the liberation of the Israelites from the Pharaoh of Egypt. For Shias, it holds additional significance as the day when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
In India, where a significant Muslim population resides, the observance of the Day of Ashura has been prevalent for many centuries. The exact timeline of its introduction in India is uncertain, but it is believed to have been brought by Muslim traders and Sufi saints who arrived in the Indian subcontinent during the medieval period.
Over time, the observance of the Day of Ashura in India has taken on unique cultural and regional characteristics. In some regions, processions known as “Tazia” are organized, where replicas of the mausoleum of Imam Hussein are carried through the streets. These processions are accompanied by mournful chants, beating of drums, and recitations of elegies to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
In certain parts of India, particularly in Lucknow and Hyderabad, elaborate rituals and performances are organized during the month of Muharram. These include the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala through street plays known as “Taziyas,” which depict the events leading to Imam Hussein’s martyrdom. The plays are often accompanied by grand processions and religious gatherings.
In recent years, the observance of the Day of Ashura in India has sometimes faced challenges due to communal tensions and security concerns. However, efforts are made to maintain the religious and cultural significance of the day while promoting peace and harmony among different communities.
Overall, the Day of Ashura in India has evolved into a significant religious and cultural observance for Muslims, reflecting the diverse traditions and practices of the country’s Muslim population.
How is Day of Ashura* celebrated in India
The Day of Ashura, also known as Muharram, is observed by Muslims worldwide, including in India. However, it is important to note that the way it is celebrated may vary among different regions and communities within India. Here is a general overview of how Day of Ashura is celebrated in India:
-
Mourning Processions: Muslims gather in mosques and processions to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. These processions are often accompanied by recitations of religious hymns and beating of the chest as a sign of grief.
-
Majlis: Majlis refers to gatherings where religious scholars deliver sermons and speeches, recounting the events of Karbala and the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions. These gatherings are held in mosques or special venues.
-
Tazia Processions: Tazias are symbolic replicas of the tomb of Imam Hussein. These structures are carried in processions through the streets, accompanied by mourners who express their grief and sorrow. Tazia processions are particularly prominent in certain areas of India, such as Lucknow and Hyderabad.
-
Self-flagellation: Some individuals, as an act of devotion and mourning, may engage in self-flagellation using chains or blades. This practice is not universally followed and is more prevalent in certain regions.
-
Charity and Fasting: Many Muslims observe fasting on the Day of Ashura as a way of showing solidarity with the suffering of Imam Hussein. Additionally, acts of charity, such as distributing food and donating to the poor, are encouraged during this time.
-
Communal Meals: After the mourning rituals, communal meals known as “Niaz” or “Tabarruk” are prepared and shared among the community members. These meals are seen as a way of fostering unity and spreading blessings.
It is important to note that while Day of Ashura is primarily observed by the Shia Muslim community, some Sunni Muslims also participate in the mourning rituals, albeit with certain differences in their practices. Additionally, the level of observance and the specific customs may vary among different regions and communities within India.
Dates
Day of Ashura* will be celebrated in India on in the comming years.
