Muharram

The beautiful islands of Lakshadweep come alive in spectacular fashion during festivals that highlight its culture and heritage. One of the festivals that is integral to the Islamic culture in Lakshadweep is Muharram. During Muharram, the islands come alive in vibrant faith and devotion. Muharram is a sacred festival that commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein in Karbala. The holy month of Muharram is a period marked by faith, devotion, and grief. Historically Islam arrived in the Lakshadweep Islands during the 7th century. A shipwreck brought a Muslim saint named Ubaidullah to Lakshadweep, and slowly Islam took root in the Lakshadweep Islands. The Muharram festival is actually an occasion for remorse and grief, and it is observed with great zeal and enthusiasm by the people of Lakshadweep. One of the highlights of the Muharram festival is the colourful Tazia processions that criss-cross across the beautiful islands of Lakshadweep. While the Tazias symbolize martyrdom, people dressed in black who are part of the processions symbolize grief and mourning. The processions are marked by people indulging in self-flagellation as a mark of grief and mourning.