Millions of Muslims marked Ashura 2026 processions across Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India and Western cities on Thursday and Friday, as authorities tightened security and traffic controls around major routes.
The observance fell on June 25 in several countries and on June 26 in Pakistan, where local moon-sighting decisions confirmed the 10th of Muharram 1448 AH.
In Iraq, large crowds gathered in Karbala at the Imam Hussain shrine for the culmination of mourning rituals, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Iran held large public processions and mourning gatherings in Tehran and other cities.
In Pakistan, authorities declared June 25 and 26 as public holidays for the 9th and 10th of Muharram, according to government-linked notifications cited by local media. They also suspended mobile services in selected areas and closed roads along major procession routes.
Main processions took place in Karachi, Sindh; Lahore, Punjab; Islamabad; and Rawalpindi, Punjab. In Karachi, the procession moved from Nishtar Park toward Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar, according to the supplied route brief.
In Lahore, the historic procession began from Nisar Haveli near Mochi Gate and ended at Karbala Gamay Shah. Meanwhile, the authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi issued separate routes and security plans for local processions.
In India, markets and public offices observed Muharram-related closures in several states. The Times of India reported that Indian stock exchanges NSE and BSE remained closed on June 26 for Muharram.
The supplied brief also listed major processions in Hyderabad, Lucknow and New Delhi. In London, Muslim communities held peaceful Ashura gatherings, water-distribution drives and donation activities.
Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali at Karbala in 680 AD. Many Sunni Muslims also observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, of Muharram.
Read: Karbala Muharram Preparations Begin At Hazrat Abbas’s Shrine
