via Express UK
The holy Day of Ashura festival sees millions of Muslim men and boys around the world take part in the dramatic ceremony.
It is held to mourn the death of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Husayn, in 680 AD, during the Battle of Karbala.
The 10-day festival is observed by both Sunni and Shia sects, although self-harm is discouraged by some Shia leaders who say it creates a negative image of Islam.
Shocking images from this year’s ritual show streets in Iraq soaked with blood and youngsters posing with knives, spears and chains.
The worshippers’ white robes are splattered with blood and many have open wounds on the tops of their heads.
Those not carrying out the brutal acts slap their chests, chant, and act in street plays.
It is also common to combine the rituals with a pilgrimage to the Mashhad al-Husyn in Iraq, which is thought to be the resting place of the Prophet’s grandson.
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and Pakistan mark the day of Ashura as a public holiday, although it was banned under Saddam Hussein’s rule.
But the annual ceremony is also often targeted by Islamic extremists, and this year is no exception.
