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**Muharram to be Observed on July 6th in India, Government Holiday Declared**
**New Delhi, [Date – Today’s Date]** – The Islamic New Year, marking the beginning of Muharram, will be observed on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, in India. The confirmation comes after moon sighting reports indicated the new Islamic year officially began on Friday, June 27th, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon on June 26th. This resolves previous uncertainty surrounding the exact date of the holy observance, which traditionally depends on lunar sightings.
The 10th day of Muharram, known as Yaum-e-Ashura, is a significant day of mourning, particularly for Shia Muslims. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
On Ashura, Shia Muslims will participate in mourning processions, carrying intricately decorated Tazias – miniature replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb. These colorful and detailed structures, often crafted from bamboo and adorned with vibrant paper and fabrics, are treated with reverence in homes leading up to the day. They are illuminated at night and ultimately carried to cemeteries for burial on Ashura, marking the end of the mourning period.
Muharram holds deep religious importance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. While Shia Muslims focus on mourning and remembrance of Imam Hussain, Sunni Muslims observe the day with fasting, prayers, and Quran recitation. The Indian government has officially declared July 6th as a public holiday in recognition of the solemn occasion.
First Piper 