One of the most important mourning ceremonies observed in Muharram in different parts of Iran is Nakhl-Gardani (carrying the palm tree). It is a scaffold shaped like a tree leaf. Many believe that it refers to the tents of the Imam Hussain family. Others say it is a symbolic funeral as the martyrs buried without any ceremony or proper respect. The name Nakhl refers to the raised stature of martyrs. Sometimes the Nakhl is so huge and heavy that requires more than 50 people to lift and carry it. During one week the senior and elders decorated the Nakhl, cover it with different ornaments and pictures of lion covered with blood. The lion is a symbol of the Imam and the daggers are a symbol of swords lunged into his body. Finally, on the 10th day, hundreds of people gather and help in lifting the Nakhl and carrying it around. A man standing on the Nakhl hits the cymbal and lament while others carry the Nakhl around a holy shrine 3 times.

Ashura is a religious observance marked every year by Muslims. The word ‘Ashura literally means “10th,” as it is on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. In the year 680 A.D., an event happened that was a turning point for what was to become the Shi’a Muslim community. Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph -- on the 10th day of Muharram (‘Ashura). This took place in Karbala (modernday Iraq), which is now an important pilgrimage site for Shi’a Muslims. Shi’a Muslims observe the day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. Reenactments and plays are performed, attempting to relive the tragedy and keep the lessons of this event alive. Some Shi’a Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades on this day, to express their grief and to reenact the pain that Hussein suffered. What is Ashura? In the month of Muharram 61 AH (approx. 20 October 680 AD), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Kerbala on the bank of the river the Euphrates. It seemed in those days insignificant from the historical point of view. A large army which had been mobilized by the Umayyad regime besieged a group of persons numbering less than a hundred and put them under pressure to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all killed. It appeared at that time that like hundreds of similar events, this battle would be recorded in history and forgotten in time. However, the events that occurred on the 10th day of Muharram in Kerbala were to become a beacon and an inspiration for future generations. Who is Hussain? The leader of the small band of men who were martyred in Kerbala Husain (A), son of Ali bin Abi Talib (A) and grandson of the Holy Prophet, Mohammad (S). He was the son of Fatima (A) for whom the Holy Prophet (S) said, “Husain is from me and I am from Husain. May God love whoever loves Hussain. With the passing away of his brother Hasan (A) in 50 AH, Husain (A) became the leader of the household of the Holy Prophet (S). He respected the agreement of peace signed by Hasan (A) and Muawiya, and, despite the urging of his followers, he did not undertake any activity that threatened the political status quo. Rather, he continued with the responsibility of looking after the religious needs of the people and was recognized for his knowledge, piety, and generosity On the other hand, we have Yazid, whose father (Muawiya) and grandfather (Abu Sufyan - the archenemy of the Prophet) had always tried to sabotage the mission of the Holy Prophet. Yazid was a pleasure-seeking person, given to wine drinking and playing with pets. It is no wonder that Husain’s response to Yazid’s governor, when asked to pay allegiance to Yazid was, “We are the household of the prophethood, the source of messenger ship, the descendingplace of the angels, through us Allah had begun (showering His favors) and with us He has perfected (His favors), whereas Yazid is a sinful person, a drunkard, the killer of innocent people and one who openly indulges in sinful acts. A person like me can never pledge allegiance to a person like him.” The revolution of Husain (A) was an Islamic movement spearheaded by one of the great leaders of Islam. The principles and laws of Islam demanded that Husain (A) act to warn the Ummah of the evil situation which it was in and to stand in the way of the deviating ruler. As Husain (A) himself remarked when he left Medina for the last time, “I am not rising (against Yazid) as an insolent or an arrogant person, or a mischiefmonger or tyrant. I have risen (against Yazid) as I seek to reform the Ummah of my grandfather. I wish to bid the good and forbid the evil.” Hussain (A) was killed on the battlefield as he did Sajdah. His head was removed from his body on the plains of Karbala, mounted on a spear, and paraded through villages and towns as it was taken to Damascus and presented at the feet of Yazid. Why to remember Ashura Why is Husain (A) regarded as the “leader of the martyrs”? It is because he was not just the victim of an ambitious ruler. There is no doubt that the tragedy of Karbala, when ascribed to the killers, is a criminal and terrible act. However, when ascribed to Husain (A) himself, it represents a conscious confrontation and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The whole nation had failed to stand up to Yazid. They had succumbed to his will, and deviation and regression towards the pre-Islamic ways were increasing. Passiveness by Husain (A) in this situation would have meant the end of Islam as we know it. Thus Husain (A) took upon himself the responsibility of the whole nation. The greatest tragedy was that one who stood up for the noblest of causes, the defense of Islam, was cut down in so cruel manner. It is for this reason that the sacrifice of Husain (A) is commemorated annually throughout the Muslim world. Our sorrow never abates as we relive the tragedy. The commemoration of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram every year serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the family of the Prophet (S). It also makes us aware of the people, then and now, who tried to destroy Islam and the family of the Prophet (S) and all that they stood for - as well as those who watched, listened and did nothing.

The term “Ta’ziyeh” refers to an Iranian dramatic genre which might be compared to the Western Passion Play and is the only indigenous drama of the entire Islamic world. This ritual drama has both an Islamic and a Persian heritage.Ta’ziyeh is a kind of steet theater which narrates the story od martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his followers and the suferring of their amily members.The narration and lamnets are so emotional that impress all the audience even the foreigners who may not know much about the sufering of Imam Hussain and his family.