Zeba Nasem/Mumbai

The observance of Muharram in India has long inspired devotion and reverence among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Over centuries, the commemoration of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom has evolved into a remarkable tradition of interfaith harmony and shared cultural heritage.

While Muslims across the world mourn the sacrifice of Imam Hussain at Karbala, the observance in India is distinguished by its emotional depth and broad social participation. One of its most striking features is the active involvement of Hindus in Muharram rituals across the country. In towns and villages alike, Hindus join Muslims in mourning Imam Hussain, participating in and supporting tazia processions that carry replicas of his shrine in Karbala.

The annual commemoration leaves a profound impact on Indian society. Although the majority of India's population is non-Muslim, it is common to see people from different faiths taking part in Muharram observances. The devotion transcends social and economic barriers, drawing participation not only from Hindus but also from Sikhs, Jains, and Christians.

Muharram Across Indian Cities

In Varanasi, one of the foremost centres of Hindu tradition, Muharram is observed with enthusiasm and significant Hindu participation. The city's Shiwala locality is renowned for its exquisitely crafted tazias and depictions of Zuljanah, the horse of Imam Hussain. Similar traditions can be witnessed in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Amroha, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, and Bhopal.

Muharram observances in India have also enjoyed the patronage of several Hindu rulers. Historical accounts suggest that the Vijayanagara kings of South India built Imambargahs during the 16th and 17th centuries and wore black garments during the first ten days of Muharram as a mark of mourning.

#WATCH | Thousands of Shia mourners participated in the traditional 8th #Muharram procession in Srinagar, which was taken out on its historic route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and M.A. Road. The procession, revived in 2023 after a ban of over three decades has… pic.twitter.com/BpysMXb8Sx

— Greater Kashmir (@GreaterKashmir) June 24, 2026

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Hindus in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra organised mourning processions and commemorative marches. The Maratha dynasties—including the Scindias of Gwalior, the Holkars of Indore, the Gaekwads of Baroda, and the Bhonsles of Kolhapur and Pune—also supported Muharram observances as a means of fostering communal harmony.

Among them, the Maharaja of Gwalior was particularly noted for walking barefoot in Ashura processions each year as a mark of respect for Imam Hussain's sacrifice.

Lucknow: The Heart of Muharram Commemorations

Lucknow, the former capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, remains one of the most important centres of Muharram observance in India. Large numbers of Hindus participate in Shia mourning processions, while many observe fasts alongside Muslims. Others distribute sherbet and milk to participants.

Some Hindus also take part in the ritual known as Aag ka Matam, walking over burning embers while chanting Ya Hussain.

2nd Muharram – The Caravan of Imam Hussain (AS) Enters Karbala

On the 2nd of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE), the caravan of Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), arrived at the land of Karbala. Upon reaching this desolate plain by the banks of the… pic.twitter.com/MfEQC7WrtD

— Shia Visuals (@ShiaVisuals) June 17, 2026

The city is home to several Hindu-led Anjumans (religious organisations) that organise processions and commemorative gatherings. There are also Hindu-owned Imambargahs, including the Krishno Khalifa Ka Imambara in Bashiratganj, established in 1880. Organisations such as Anjuman-e-Hind-e-Abbasiya and Anjuman-e-Sakina continue to play an active role in Muharram observances. Prominent Hindu nobles of Lucknow, including Raja Tiket Rai and Raja Bilas Rai, also built Imambargahs and patronised religious scholars.

Shared Traditions Across Regions

Madhya Pradesh: In several districts, Hindu families such as the Sharmas and Raikwars have been organising Muharram processions for more than a century. The tradition is said to have begun with the Raikwar family of Vidisha in 1882. A family member explains: “Hussain is a universal symbol of piety, courage and sacrifice. He did not seek power but stood against injustice.” The Mishra family of Sehore also shares a century-old connection with Muharram commemorations.

Tamil Nadu: According to reports, large numbers of Hindus join Muharram processions in villages such as Pallimankalam. Hindus and Muslims participate together in fire-walking rituals, while many Hindus observe fasts and read the Tamil work Shahadatnama, based on the events of Karbala.

Kashmir: Members of the Mohiyal Brahmin community observe Muharram with deep reverence, believing that their ancestors supported Imam Hussain during the battle of Karbala.

Odisha: In Petipur village, a long-standing dispute between Hindus and Muslims over burial ground land reportedly ended when Hindu leader Naresh Acharya led a joint Muharram procession involving members of both communities.

The Hussaini Brahmins of Punjab

Perhaps the most fascinating example of Hindu devotion to Imam Hussain is found among the Hussaini Brahmins, also known as the Dutt Brahmins of Punjab. According to community traditions, their ancestor Rahab travelled from Punjab to Arabia and fought alongside Imam Hussain against Yazid at Karbala. In recognition of his loyalty, Imam Hussain is said to have bestowed upon him the title of “Sultan.”

Another popular tradition holds that a sister of Shahr Banu, Imam Hussain’s wife, was married to an Indian ruler named Chandragupta. It is said that when Imam Hussain was besieged, an Indian force was dispatched to aid him but arrived after his martyrdom. Community narratives also maintain that part of Kufa became known as Deir-e-Hindiya (Indian Quarter) because of the presence of Indian supporters.

Flag changing ceremony from the Holy City of Karbala to mark the start of mourning for Muharram 1448/2026

Millions have gathered in the holy city of Karbala for the sacred flag-changing ceremony, marking the beginning of Muharram 1448 AH. pic.twitter.com/N8Se61ddTK

— Shia Visuals (@ShiaVisuals) June 16, 2026

Hussaini Brahmins further believe that Imam Hussain’s martyrdom was foretold in ancient Hindu texts and refer to Imam Ali with the honorific title “Om Murti.”

In South India, the centres of Muharram observances are known as Ashura Khanas. The Deccan's Adil Shahi and Qutb Shahi dynasties played a significant role in their development.

Among the most notable is Hyderabad’s Badshahi Ashura Khana, built in 1592 and celebrated for its exquisite Iranian tile work. Lucknow’s Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and Shah Najaf Imambara are equally renowned for their architectural grandeur and ornate European chandeliers.

Urdu Elegies and Cultural Expression

Muharram has also enriched India's literary traditions. Urdu elegies (marsiyas) and lamentations have contributed significantly to the development of Urdu literature while serving as powerful vehicles of religious and cultural expression.

Many Hindu poets have composed celebrated marsiyas and elegies in honour of Imam Hussain, reflecting the deep cultural resonance of Karbala across religious boundaries. In many parts of rural India, Muharram observances continue to provide a sense of social cohesion, emotional support, and shared identity among communities.

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Together, these traditions demonstrate how the legacy of Imam Hussain transcends religious boundaries in India, fostering a culture of remembrance, sacrifice, justice, and communal harmony.