Peaceful Muharram in Mumbai

Fasting, mourning and processions by the Muslim community Tuesday marked the Yaum-e-Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and others in the battle of Karbala, nearly 1,400 years ago.

Thousands of mourners wept and beat their chests during processions in south Mumbai and other Muslim-dominated areas of Thane and Navi Mumbai.

They raised cries of "Ya Hussain", and distributed food, water and juices to the poor in many localities.

Many people from other communities also participated in the processions which peacefully went through their routes amidst tight police security.

No untoward incidents were reported from anywhere, on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.

Imam Hussain, his six-month-old infant son Ali Asghar, his other family members and followers were martyred during the battle in Karbala, Iraq, in the year 680 A.D., or 61 Hijri (Islamic calendar).