All you need to know about Muharram

'Muharram' means 'Forbidden' in English. This is the first of the twelve months according to the Islamic lunar calendar. It also marks the beginning of the period of mourning for Shia Muslims, because it coincides with the incidents that led to the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Some Muslims fast during daylight hours on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th days of the month. This year, it falls on Saturday, October 24, 2015.

Here is all you need to know about Muharram - 

1. Battle of Karbala was fought between followers of Hazrat Husain ibn Ali and a grand army of Yazid, when Husain refused to pledge an oath of allegiance and recognise him as Caliph.

2. Husain and his 71 followers achieved martyrdom on the battlefield of Karbala, including his six-month-old son. Azadaari marks their martyrdom

3. The 10th day of Muharram is considered most sacred. It is referred as Ashura and on this day, Husain was killed.

4. The mourning rituals include self-flagellation, beating the chest, congregations and public processions. Tabarrukh is distributed after the congregation. It can be traditional food, cash or some other items.

5. Tazia, a mausoleum-like structure is set up in establishments and is later buried after the congregation symbolising the funeral of Imam Husain because he never received one.