Ashura Date
When Is Ashura
Ashura falls on the 10th day of the holy month of Muharram. However, the date does not remain the same as per the Gregorian calendar. While the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. Hence, the dates of the Islamic calendar shift back approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ashura is only decided after the moon of Muharram is sighted. Moreover, the Ashura date can also vary from country to country, depending upon whether the moon has been sighted in that particular country or not. The month of Muharram is likely to begin on the 15th November in the year 2012. Therefore, the date of Ashura is expected to fall on the 24th November, 2012.
In the Muslim calendar, the next day starts on the sunset of the previous day. Thus, the date of Ashura will begin from the sunset of the 24th November. Ashura has become a national holiday in Shia countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Lebanon and Bahrain. They commemorate Ashura as the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husain Ali and his followers. On this day, Muslims take our large processions through the streets carrying taziyeh (replicas of the mausoleum of Husain Ali and others made from bamboo and paper) decorated with gilt and mica.
To express grief, mourners beat their chests chanting ‘Ya Husain’. Some even flagellate or whip themselves with small knives or sharp tools attached to chains drawing out blood to feel the pain that Husain Ali and others had been through. The taziyehs, at the end of the day, are taken to the local burial ground, known as Karbala and buried. On the other hand, Sunni Muslims mark the day on a much silent note. They offer prayers and fast on the day of Ashura. They make delectable delicacies which are distributed among friends, relatives and the deprived.
Date of Ashura: 24th November, 2012
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