Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 43
nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of the death of. Hussain and his party in great detail, and on the tenth Muharram, large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal pieces tied to a chain with which they scourge themselves, to depict the sufferings of the martyrs. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants 'Ya Hussain', with loud wails of lamentation. Generally a white horse beautifully decorated for the occasion, is also included in the procession, perhaps to mark the empty mount of Hussain after his martyrdom. . During these ten days drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all,free of charge. . The decorated horse called 'Zul Jinnal' is ready for the procession. 43