The Muharram is -a sacred festival of the Muslims. It is observed to celebrate the death of Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mahammad. Hasan and Hussain, as the two grand-sons of Prophet Mahammad, Inherited his property. But the Caliph of Damascus did not want it. He contrived to win ill the property of Prophet Mahammad. He administered poison and killed Hasan. Hussain fought with the Caliph for a long time. He tried his best to defeat the Caliph. But the reverse happened.
The soldiers of the Caliph caught Hussain and killed him. They also killed all the family members and supporters of Hussain. The Muslims regard Hussain as a martyr. This is the religious significance of the festival.
Before being murdered, Hussain was kept in cruel confinement for ten days without food and water. So the Muslims observe this festival for ten days. The festival starts on the first day of the moon and ends on the tenth day. The actual festival starts on the tenth day. The period of ten days is very sacred for the Muslims. They prepare the tomb over Hussain’s grave. It is called Tajiah. They decorate the Tajiah and carry it on the holy procession on the tenth day. At the time of procession the spiritual Muslims beat their breast and cry “Hussain, Hussain” to express their sorrow for Hussain. Some sad and sorrowful songs are sung to mark the occasion. On the eleventh day the Tajiah is immersed in the river.
Spiritual Muslims observe this festival sincerely. They also distribute food and money to the poor on this festival.