Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide. While both Sunni and Shia Muslims observe the 10th day of Muharram, many Shia Muslims mark the month as a period of mourning

Some Muslims also observe fasting on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, days of Muharram and attend special prayer gatherings in mosques and homes

As Muharram is a gazetted holiday in India, government offices, banks, and many businesses remain closed

Large religious processions and prayer gatherings also lead to traffic diversions and heightened security arrangements in several cities, including Mumbai

Imam Hussain and his companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, a sacrifice that remains one of the defining moments in Islamic history.