Kolkata, Oct 12 (IANS) Hundreds of Muslims across West Bengal took out large processions, beat drums and thumped their chests on Wednesday to mourn the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussain in 680 AD at Iraq's Karbala on the 10th day of the first Islamic month of Muharram.
Hundreds of Muslims took out processions at many places hereto observe the day, also known as Yaum-e-Ashura, an important date in the Islamic calendar.
On Muharram, considered a day of bereavement, Muslims observe voluntary fasts, give to charity and pray in remembrance of Hussain.
The day of Muharram this year, falls right after the Bijoya Dashami or Dussehra that is vastly celebrated throughout the city by the Hindus.
There was intense police patrolling, particularly in the sensitive areas, with traffic restricted in parts of the city to enable the processions to pass unhindered.
"Several roads including New road, KP road, Park Circus connector and part of Central Avenue was blocked during the procession," said an official from Kolkata traffic control room.
"The situation was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported. The traffic was pretty less in the city as people are still in the holiday mode," he added.
