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The commencement of the Islamic New Year is observed on the first day of Muharram, a holy month for all Muslims. On the tenth day of Muharram, The Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura, or the day when Yazid I, the second Umayyad caliph, assassinated Imam Hussain and his infant son in the Battle of Karbala fourteen centuries ago.
Ashura is a significant holiday in many Muslim nations, and the Mourning of Muharram is a set of rituals mostly performed by Shia Muslims, including the ones in Pakistan. Read further to know more about the celebration of Ashura in Pakistan.
Ashura 2023 date in Pakistan
According to the latest report from Dr Javed Iqbal, Karachi University’s Head of the Institute of Space Science and Technology, the 10th Muharram or Ashura will fall on July 27th this year. Ashura 2023 will be celebrated on sundown of Thursday 27 July and ends at sundown on Friday, 28 July.
Ashura 2033 public holiday in Pakistan
The Cabinet of Division Pakistan announced that the 27th and 28th of July will be the public holiday of Ashura in 2023.
How is the Ashura celebrated in Pakistan?
Ashura is a significant holiday in many Muslim nations, and the Mourning of Muharram is a set of rituals mostly performed by Shia Muslims, who make up about 15%-20% of the population in Pakistan.
Oil-lamp lighting ritual. © Global Voices
Shia Muslims in Pakistan primarily lament during this time as they remember Imam Hussein and his family’s passing by withholding participation in festive occasions. To observe this event, they would do a ritual such as oil-lamp lighting and praying. Black clothing is required for the rituals, which also involve abstinence, fasting, skin-cutting with knives and other sharp instruments, and solemn processions.
