HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: On Wednesday, January 9, red standard, which signifies revenge, on the holy golden dome of Husseini shrine in the holy city of Karbala was replaced with a black one declaring the start of month of grief and sorrow Moharram in a special spiritual environment.

Flock including political, social and religious figures gathered in the Husseini shrine compound after Maghrebayn prayers to witness the flag replacing which was a sign that Husseini season began.

The ceremony started with recitation of Quran verses and Aza Al-Husseini followed by beating of drums to greet Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS). With the beat of drums, the mourners were chanting: “Ya Hussein … Ya Shaheed (O martyr) … Ya Habib Rasul Allah (O the favorite of Allah’s Prophet)”. During all this the standard was replaced with weeping hearts and eyes.

Later, the mourners went to the holy shrine of Al-Abbas bin Ali (AS) where the same ceremony was held.

It is worth-noting that placing of red flag on a grave indicates that the man of grave was killed and his revenge has not been taken yet.