The Day of Ashura

PHOTOS: Aneek Mustafa Anwar 

Ashura is marked by Muslims all over the world. However, Shia Muslims observe it as a major religious celebration, commemorating the martyrdom at Karbala of Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. People usually fast on the day of Ashura and assemble at mosques where sorrowful and poetic recitations are performed.  In Bangladesh, Hussaini Dalan of old Dhaka becomes a centre of mourning and religious gathering on that day. Also, both Shia and Sunni followers bring out a mourning procession on the streets.