Irans Ashura ceremonies combine religious tradition with national unity

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Ashura Events Marked Across Iran

In Tehran and other cities across Iran, mourning rituals have been observed since the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The events, which include public holidays declared by the authorities, commemorate the killing over 1,300 years ago of Hussein ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad and third Shia Muslim imam.

The state-backed Ashura events have been taking place in various cities across Iran, with many passageways and neighborhoods draped in black cloths as a sign of mourning. The events are also marked by the presence of pro-state messaging, images of officials killed during the war, and loud religious music.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Tasua and Ashura were declared public holidays, with state-organised events taking place across major areas such as Enghelab Square in Tehran. These events include mourning processions carrying ceremonial standards associated with Karbala, where Imam Hussein was killed, as well as rhythmic rituals and chest-beating.

In addition to the state-organised events, some Iranians have marked the occasion based on religious traditions passed down through generations or to honor loved ones who recently passed away. Food stations have also been set up in mosques and on the streets, distributing meals to the public.

The burial of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is scheduled to take place during the month of Muharram, with events taking place across multiple cities for six days before his burial in the holy Shia shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. The state has called Khamenei “seyyed ol-shohada” or the most exalted of martyrs, a title associated with Imam Hussein.

The Ashura events are expected to continue after Khamenei’s burial, with Iranian cities remaining shrouded in black garments for weeks.

Source: Al Jazeera