As the Islamic New Year approaches, streets in many Indian cities will soon be lined with black banners, rhythmic chants of sorrow, and candlelit processions. It's not a celebration, but a commemoration — not marked by joy, but by remembrance. Muharram, one of the holiest months in Islam, holds a special place in the hearts of millions.

But there's more to Muharram than what we see in processions or news headlines. Behind the rituals lies a powerful story — one of courage, sacrifice, unity, and universal values that resonate far beyond religious lines.

In this blog, we uncover 10 lesser-known facts about Muharram that even many seasoned observers might not know. From its misunderstood origins to its unexpected interfaith ties, this is your deeper look into one of the most meaningful times on the Islamic calendar. We’ll also guide you through the key dates and observances for Muharram 2025 in India.

Muharram 2025: Date, Timings & Observances

Muharram 2025 is expected to begin on June 27, 2025, marking the start of the Islamic New Year (1447 AH), though the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon, a cherished tradition in India. The most significant day, Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is anticipated on July 6, 2025. Timings for observances vary by region, as local mosques and communities confirm dates based on the lunar calendar.

In India, Muharram is observed with deep reverence and diverse practices:

• Shia Muslims commemorate Imam Hussain’s martyrdom with solemn processions, majlis (religious gatherings), and recitations of marsiyas (elegiac poetry) and noha (devotional songs). Cities like Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai come alive with Tazia processions, where replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb are carried.
• Sunni Muslims observe Ashura by fasting on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) days, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad to honor Prophet Musa’s victory over Pharaoh. This act is believed to expiate sins of the past year.
• Cultural Traditions: From the vibrant Tazia processions in Karnataka to charity drives in Delhi, Muharram reflects India’s pluralistic spirit. Communities often distribute food and water, embodying the month’s emphasis on compassion.
• Interfaith Harmony: In many parts of India, Hindus and other communities join Muharram processions, showcasing the country’s unity in diversity, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Whether through fasting, mourning, or charity, Muharram 2025 will be a time for reflection and community bonding across India.

10 Lesser-Known Facts About Muharram

1. One of the Four Sacred Months

Muharram is one of Islam’s four sacred months (along with Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah), where good deeds carry greater reward and wrongdoing is strictly forbidden. In India, this sanctity inspires Muslims to engage in charity and prayer, setting a tone of spiritual renewal for the Islamic New Year.

2. The Meaning Behind the Name

Did you know “Muharram” translates to “forbidden” in Arabic? This reflects its status as a sacred month when conflict and violence are prohibited. In India, this emphasis on peace resonates deeply, with communities using Muharram to promote harmony and goodwill.

3. The Islamic New Year’s Roots

Muharram marks the Islamic New Year, commemorating the Hijrah—Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which established the Islamic calendar. In 2025, Indian Muslims will welcome 1447 AH with prayers and reflections on this pivotal event that shaped Islamic history.

4. Ashura’s Dual Significance

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, holds different meanings for Shia and Sunni Muslims. For Shias, it’s a day of mourning for Imam Hussain’s martyrdom at Karbala in 680 CE. For Sunnis, it’s a day of fasting to honor Prophet Musa’s deliverance from Pharaoh. This duality makes Ashura a unique blend of sorrow and gratitude in India’s observances.

5. The Women of Karbala

The Battle of Karbala wasn’t just about men. Women like Zainab, Imam Hussain’s sister, played a crucial role in preserving the message of Karbala through their resilience and eloquence. Her speeches after the battle inspired generations, and in India, women actively participate in majlis and processions, embodying her spirit.

6. Tazia’s Indian Connection

Tazia processions, where ornate replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb are carried, have a distinctly Indian flavor. Originating during the Nawabi era in Lucknow, Tazias are a testament to India’s cultural contribution to Muharram, blending art and devotion in cities like Hyderabad and Jaipur.

7. Marsiyas: A Poetic Legacy

Marsiyas, elegiac poems recounting the tragedy of Karbala, are a cornerstone of Muharram in India. Poets like Mir Anees elevated this form into a literary art, particularly in Urdu-speaking regions. These soul-stirring verses continue to resonate in majlis across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

8. Muharram’s Interfaith Appeal

In India, Muharram transcends religious boundaries. Hindus and other communities often join processions or contribute to charity drives, especially in places like Varanasi and Kolkata. This interfaith participation reflects India’s pluralistic ethos, making Muharram a celebration of shared humanity.

9. Global Variations in Observances

While India’s Muharram is marked by Tazias and majlis, observances differ globally. In some countries, practices like self-flagellation are common, but in India, the focus is on processions, poetry, and charity. This diversity highlights the adaptability of Muharram’s universal message.

10. Eco-Friendly Muharram in 2025

In 2025, Indian Muslims are embracing sustainable practices during Muharram, such as using biodegradable materials for Tazias and reducing waste in processions. This aligns with Islamic teachings of environmental stewardship, ensuring Imam Hussain’s legacy inspires care for the planet.

More Than Mourning — A Message for Us All

In a world growing louder with division, Muharram whispers a timeless truth — that standing for what’s right, even when alone, is the noblest act of all.

The story of Imam Hussain at Karbala is not confined to Islamic tradition; it echoes wherever people resist injustice and uphold humanity. Whether you're watching the Taziyas pass by your window, joining a sabeel stall, or simply reading about the Battle of Karbala for the first time — you’re part of something deeper.

As Muharram 2025 draws near, let’s move beyond the visuals and tap into the values: sacrifice, compassion, courage, and unity.

At The United Indian, we believe that knowing each other’s stories is the first step to building a stronger, kinder society. May this Muharram bring us all closer — to truth, to empathy, and to each other.