Ritual mourning, Ashura in Karbabad, Bahrain

These images, taken in Karbabad during Ashura 2015, offer an intimate glimpse into one of Shia Islam’s most important commemorations. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein — grandson of the Prophet Muhammad — at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It remains a powerful symbol of resistance, justice, and spiritual devotion. In Karbabad, the rituals are peaceful and deeply reflective. One striking detail is the use of light Zanjeer chains — without blades — by both children and adults. This symbolic gesture speaks to a form of remembrance rooted in spirituality rather than pain, challenging common misconceptions about the ceremony. The photographs capture moments across generations: children learning from elders, rhythmic chest beating, and the quiet unity that fills the streets. These scenes tell a story of faith, cultural identity, and collective memory — a local expression of a global tradition, shaped by the people of Karbabad.