Muharram is the first month from Islamic Calendar. People who follow Islam as religion have strong beliefs in holy months which are according to the moon sighting. The word “Muharram” means “Forbidden” and is derived from the word ‘haram’, meaning sinful. While some Muslims regard “Muharram” as the month of mourning, for others it is commemorating the Battle of Karbala. In addition, 9th and 10th Muharram holidays 2018 are observed as 20th and 21st September 2018.
Time Span of Muharram:
A complete one month is the time span of Muharram. And as Muharram approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. Majali is held every day during the first nine days. Where Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossein and his party in a great detail. On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed. And the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hossein and his people, who fell at Karbala.
Why Shia celebrate Muharram:
During this month, while on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hossein, his family members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time. During the siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them were put to death. The incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute was the result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali.
Muharram Holidays 2018:
As Shia celebrate the 9th and 10th Muharram with great strength and number of people. Even road got blocked for their majlises, Specific traffic routes are followed. And more specifically because of this the institutes also got closed because of the great number of people on roads. As per this year, Muharram holidays 2018 are observed as a long weekend to all those who are having Saturday as off. So hence, 20th September 2018 as for Thursday and 21st September 2018 as Friday are said to be 9th and 10th Muharram respectively. Therefore, like the ones who are not Shia will enjoy their long weekend as Muharram holidays 2018.
