Islam's calendar's first month is Muharram, which is special for the Muslim community. Muharram's date is decided after seeing the moon. The date for Muharram varies each year.
For now, the date for Muharram 2025 is 6 July, as declared in Maharashtra. If the moon comes out one day late, then the date will be 7 July. The date varies in different states in India.
One is advised to keep an eye on the notices by schools, colleges and one's local administration. This day is all about peace, trust and sacrifice, which is celebrated in India. This day is also declared a public holiday. Many services are closed during these occasions. Banks and Markets are closed.
Among the four, Muharram is one of the holiest days for Islam. For Shia Muslims, this day has great religious significance.
The entire country has a holiday during this occasion. Government offices, banks, schools and post offices shut down. Especially places which have a larger number of Muslims living. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bengal, and Telangana see a special holiday during Muharram.
During Muharram, the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange are closed. Apart from this, Currency, Equity, Derivatives, and SLB sections will also not be trending. Multi-Commodity Exchange will be closed during the morning session but will be open from 5 pm to 11:30/11:55 pm. The banks will be closed.
On this day, Shia Muslims partake in processions, carrying Tazia, intricately crafted miniature replicas that represent the tomb of Imam Hussain. These structures, often made of bamboo and adorned with vibrant, colourful paper and fabrics, showcase remarkable artistry and detail.
In the days leading up to Ashura, many families bring these Tazias into their homes, treating them with reverence and respect.
It is a common practice to illuminate the Tazias at night with colourful lights. Finally, on the day of Ashura, these cherished representations of devotion are solemnly carried to cemeteries for burial, marking the conclusion of the mourning period.
The processions involve participants dressed in black, chanting "Ya Hussain" and "Ya Ali" while beating their chests. Some engage in self-flagellation to symbolise the suffering endured by Imam Hussain.
