HOLY CITIES OF KARBALA & KAZEMIYAH, Iraq: Husseini mourning is continued in the holy cities of Karbala and Kazemiyah marking Ashura and paying homage to Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (AS) whose matchless sacrifice nourished the tree of Islam.

Big mourning processions march on the streets, elegies are chanted, drums are beaten and chest and head beating is performed to signify grief on the brutal and unjust killing of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS).

These processions culminate at the holy Husseini and Abbasi shrines as well as mausoleums of Al-Imam Al-Kazem (AS) and Al-Imam Al-Jawad (AS) where majales al-azaiyah are held.

Majales are also held at offices of Maraje.

Huge banners inscribed with statements of mourning and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (S) regarding lofty status of his grandson Imam Hussein (AS) are placed at buildings, shrines and on streets.

Black cloth is pasted on the walls of husseiniyaat, shrines and mosques to denote grief.

Special food and drinks are prepared at streets in giant pots to ease Husseini guests.