Ashura ceremonies in Iran

They took part in mourning processions, beating their chests and self-flagellating.

Ashura is observed worldwide with reverence and solemnity to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Imam Hussein (AS) to uphold the principles of justice and truth against the forces of tyranny.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei took part in one of the ceremonies held inTehran to pay tribute to the Master of Martyrs and his 72 companions, including members of his immediate family and his followers, who attained martyrdom on the scorched plain of Karbala in the year 680 C.E.

Hundreds of thousands of Shias also marched inKarbala and Baghdad on Saturday, carrying green Islamic posters of Imam Hussein (AS).

Shia men and women dressed in black parade through the streets slapping their chests and chanting to mourn the Ashura event.

Some Shia men seek to emulate the suffering of Imam Hussein (AS) by flagellating themselves with chains.

Ashura is a holiday in Iran and some other countries.

Mourning ceremonies to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) have a special status in Iranian culture.

The event is observed in a unique way in Iran and is unlike the rituals held in other Islamic countries in terms of magnitude.