The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PUH), was observed across the country on Wednesday (Jul 17) with due religious solemnity. Different religious organisations, including Islamic Foundation, took various programmes to observe the day. The Shia Muslims brought out a procession known as Tajia procession in the city from Hosenee Dalan of Old Dhaka that paraded different city streets, local media reported.
In the procession, the Shia Muslims expressed mourning and grief by walking barefooted on the streets.
The hundred years old heritage of Tajia procession of Shia Muslim community also includes 'Nowha' or recitation of bereavements.
Wednesday was the 10th day of the month of Muharram in Hijri calendar-1446. This day is well-known as the holy 'Ashura'.
It is regarded as the day of Karbala, a 'mourning and heartbreaking event', which has special religious significance for the Muslim community across the globe.
Muslims across the world recall the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) along with his family members and 72 followers, who embraced martyrdom in 680AD in the desert of Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates River in Iraq while fighting for truth and justice against the Yazid forces. Their self-sacrifice at Karbala Maidan to uphold the great ideals of Islam, the religion of peace and harmony, is a shining example in the history of humanity.
The day is a public holiday.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels aired special programmes while newspapers and online news portals published supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
On the occasion, special prayers and discussions highlighting the significance of holy Ashura' was held at mosques other places concerned including Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and the Islamic Foundation in the country.
