Shia devotees gather for Muharram Azadari and Ashura commemorations in Old Delhi

From the archive record

A large gathering of Shia Muslim devotees participating in Muharram Azadari inside a historic Imambara and during Ashura processions in Old Delhi. Dressed predominantly in black, mourners assemble in orderly rows within the courtyard for a religious gathering known as a Majlis, where speakers recount the events of the Battle of Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his companions. The footage shows devotees performing traditional acts of mourning, including rhythmic chest-beating (Matam) while reciting elegies, lamentations, and devotional expressions of grief in remembrance of Karbala. Colourful Alams and ceremonial standards in red, black, white, and yellow are displayed throughout the gathering, symbolising faith, sacrifice, and devotion. The scenes also capture Ashura p