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इतिहास
The history, origin and significance of Muharram — where it comes from, what it means, and how it changed over time.
Muharram 2026: 26 June 2026 – 5 July 202610 daysमुहर्रम
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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and for Shia Muslims it is a month of mourning for Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed with his family and companions at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day, Ashura, in 680 CE. In 2026 Muharram is expected to begin around 26 June, with Ashura around 5 July.
The first ten days are observed with gatherings (majlis) where the events of Karbala are narrated, poetry recitation (marsiya and noha), and processions, particularly on Ashura. In India, the processions include taziya — replicas of Husain's tomb carried through the streets — and, at some locations, matam (self-flagellation) and zuljanah processions with decorated horses.
The tradition is strongest in Hyderabad, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Murshidabad, where the Ashura processions draw very large crowds and are a significant part of the city's public life. The large ornate taziyas made in Lucknow and the Bibi ka Alam in Hyderabad are the best known.
For Sunni Muslims, Muharram is also observed, with voluntary fasting on the ninth and tenth (Ashura), following the tradition that the Prophet fasted on Ashura. Both communities treat Ashura as a day of reflection, and charity and distribution of food and water are common.
Almost every large Indian festival means something different in different states. That is not a contradiction — it is the history.
The most elaborate Muharram observance in India. The Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara are central, the taziya-making tradition is a recognised craft, and the Ashura procession is one of the largest in the world.
The Bibi ka Alam procession is the city's largest, and the Deccani marsiya and noha traditions are distinct from the Awadhi ones. Khichda is the characteristic Muharram dish.
Processions in the old city around Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal and Karbala, with a long-established zuljanah and alam tradition.
The Murshidabad and Hooghly districts have a distinctive Muharram tradition that predates and is largely independent of the Awadh tradition, with its own taziya forms and local participation.
Large Ashura processions through the old city, with sabeel stalls and taziya processions organised by mohalla committees.
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