The day of Ashura is one of the most important days in Islamic history. It is observed on the 10th Muharram according to the Islamic calendar which varies every year in the Gregorian calendar.
When is Asura in Bangladesh 2013?
The Ashura will be observed in Bangladesh on Saturday the 15th November 2014 (subject to the appearance of the moon). The day will start after the sunset on 14th November and ends on 15th November sunset. This is a public holiday all over Bangladesh. The day of Ashura is also widely called as Muharram in Bangladesh.
How the Ashura and other Muslim holidays are determined in Bangladesh?
Observance of the Muslim holidays in Bangladesh is subject to the appearance of the moon. It means the first day of the month of Muharram will be determined after seeing the first crescent of that month and the Asura date (10th Muharram) will be confirmed according to the first day of Muharram month. So, Ashura date in Bangladesh will be confirmed within 4th or 5th November 2013 which will be the 1st day of Muharram month of the Islamic calendar.
Normally, an initial or tentative date is mentioned by the government to make the holiday structure of Bangladesh every year but the final dates for the Muslim holidays are declared by the national moon sight committee after seeing the moon. According to the confirmation of the moon sight committee after seeing the moon, the exact holiday date is finalized. All the Muslim holidays in Bangladesh is thus depends upon the appearance of the first crescent. However, the dates usually differ maximum one day.
Observance of Ashura in Bangladesh
Ashura is a public holiday in Bangladesh. The day is observed by the Muslims of Bangladesh with due religious fervor and solemnity.
Some keep fasting on this day as it was mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (SM). People also pass this day by reciting the holy Quran, special prayer in the mosques, feeding the destitute.
Shia Muslims in Bangladesh carryout procession from the different part of the country in this day which is known as “Tazia”. The processions roam different streets of the city. The procession takes place for the remembrance of Imam Hussain (RA) for his martyrdom in Karbala in 61 Hijri (680 AD). The largest Tazia procession in the country is brought out from Imambara at Hussaini Dalan in old part of the capital Dhaka every year. The mourners usually wear black dresses and recite traditional Ashura chants through loudspeakers. They strikes themselves by many way like hitting their back by chains, beat their head themselves that makes them realize the sufferings of Imam Hussain (RA). A huge gathering takes place on the streets to observe these processions.
President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh give special message to the people of Bangladesh on Ashura and other Muslim special days calling upon the people to take lesson of Islam to establish peace and harmony in the country. Television and radio channels broadcast special programs to observe the occasion as well as national news papers publish special articles highlighting the significance of the day.