Ashura

Ashura, a 10-day-long event, commemorates the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, who was killed in the 7thcentury battle of Kerbala.

Shia Muslims have, for the past 1,300 years, been following the ritual of hurting themselves during Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of the first month of Muharram (month of mourning) in Islamic calendar. This year, Ashura falls on Dec. 6.

We were a couple of ladies that went to a local village to view the procession, where the men were chanting and beating their chests in unison. We were offered tea and cake, and the locals were very accommadating. While we were shaparoned by a local lady, I spotted these boys and snapped away. Love how the black flag is postioned and the village wall in the background. This was one of the most emotional events I've been to since my Xpat life in Bahrain!