Overview

• Muharram began on June 27 in India following the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on June 25.
• This first month of the Islamic calendar marks the start of Hijri year 1447 AH and is one of four sacred months when warfare is traditionally forbidden.
• Shia communities observe ten days of mourning and devotion, culminating on July 6 in Ashura rituals commemorating Imam Hussain’s martyrdom at Karbala.
• The United Arab Emirates declared a public holiday on June 27 to enable citizens to participate in Muharram commemorations.
• The All India Shia Personal Law Board has requested permission for traditional procession routes and called for security deployments, road repairs and water provisions.