Isfahan, birthplace of Alam making, one of Iran's ritual crafts

TEHRAN—Isfahan is the origin of one of Iran’s ritual crafts: Alam making. Processional Standards (Alams) are used in many parts of the Muslim world by the Shia community in processions marking the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who died at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Over 2.6 million Arbaeen pilgrims exit Iran via land borders; Mehran most crowded

TEHRAN – More than 2.6 million pilgrims crossed Iran’s six land borders to enter Iraq for Arbaeen between July 26 and August 8, Iranian road management officials reported on Saturday.

Ashura-themed art exhibition opens in Tehran 

TEHRAN- The Ashura-themed art exhibition titled "Tall Heights of History," featuring ten short narratives in the form of paintings and miniatures, was inaugurated at the Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization in Tehran on Tuesday. 

Over 27,000 people donated blood on Tasua, Ashura

TEHRAN – A total of 27,200 Iranians donated blood under a national campaign during Tasua and Ashura (the ninth and tenth days of the month of Muharram), according to Bashir Haji-Beigi, spokesman for the Blood Transfusion Organization.

Muharram rituals: thousands of pilgrims walk to Imam Reza shrine

TEHRAN – Around 7,000 pilgrims traveled on foot to the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad to commemorate Tasu’a and Ashura, two of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam.

Ruholamin unveils new Ashura paintings depicting key moments of mourning, sacrifice

TEHRAN – Iranian artist Hassan Ruholamin has unveiled three new paintings commemorating the events of Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his 72 loyal companions.

By Soheila Zarfam 

Chants of 'Haidar, Haidar', Tears of 'Ey Iran'

Leader attends public ceremony after Israeli, Western media claim he is in hiding

TEHRAN – The Israeli regime's war against Iran started suddenly and unexpectedly. The regime assassinated top military generals, nuclear scientists, and civilians in airstrikes, a move that prompted a response within 12 hours, much to their dismay.

Iraq pilgrimages proceed by land due to flight restrictions

TEHRAN - Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization has announced that pilgrimage trips to Iraq during the sacred lunar months Muharram and Safar are proceeding as planned, with land routes remaining operational despite ongoing flight limitations at several Iranian airports.

19 Muharram-mourning elements made national heritage

TEHRAN – A selection of 19 religious and cultural traditions associated with the mourning rituals of Muharram in the northern Gilan province have been inscribed on Iran’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a local official announced on Monday.

Muharram, New Year rituals added to national tourism calendar

TEHRAN - A number of Muharram mourning rituals as well as a Persian New Year ceremony have recently been included in Iran’s National Tourism Events Calendar.

All-female troupe to stage play on Ashura 

TEHRAN- The all-female troupe Sacred Art plans to stage a play on the events of Ashura at the Andisheh Hall of the Art Bureau in Tehran on August 2.

Ashura-themed painting exhibition to open in Tehran 

TEHRAN- An exhibition of painting by renowned artist Ali Bahreini will be inaugurated in Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center on Tuesday, showcasing a poignant depiction of the events leading up to Ashura.

Kashan to establish specialized museums for Muharram rituals

TEHRAN - Specialized museums dedicated to the intangible heritage of Muharram rituals are set to be established in Kashan, central Iran, according to an official in charge of museums.

482 foreign travelers attend Muharram rituals in Yazd province

TEHRAN - A total of 482 foreign travelers attended Muharram's mourning rituals in their visits to Yazd province during the first ten days of the lunar month, which ended on the day of Ashura (July 16).

Zanjan’s Muharram rituals attract foreign nationals

TEHRAN - Zanjan province has welcomed tourists and photographers from nine countries to participate in the annual Tasu’a and Ashura mourning ceremonies, a significant religious event commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS).

Muharram rituals in Yazd captivate intl. visitors

TEHRAN – The number of international travelers observing religious rituals in Yazd during the first ten days of Muharram has doubled, according to a local official.

President-elect honored with flag from Imam Hussein's Shrine

TEHRAN - On Ashura day, the flag of the dome of Imam Hussein's shrine was presented to President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian.

Spokesman urges remembering Palestinians on Ashura day

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has called on Muslims worldwide to remember and support the Palestinian people on Ashura Day.

Outdoor play explores unseen aspect of Ashura

TEHRAN- The grand outdoor play "More Alone than Christ" will be performed at Velayat Park in Tehran on Thursday. 

Special Exhibition at National Museum celebrates Muharram symbols

TEHRAN- The National Museum of Iran has unveiled the exhibition, “Alam and Tuq: Symbols and Allegory of Muharram,” in honor of the Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which was martyred on the tenth day of the lunar month in 680 CE. 

Historic Golestan Palace hosts special Muharram events

TEHRAN – Golestan Palace, which is Tehran’s sole World Heritage site, has unveiled an array of cultural and religious programs for Muharram, including a continuation of the Ashura curtain restoration project and staging numerous traditional ceremonies.

Tazieh performances to go on stage at Tehran’s Art Bureau

TEHRAN- Iran's Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization in Tehran is playing host to performances of tazieh, Iranian passion play, during the first ten days of the lunar month of Muharram.

Iran’s Shole Zard named world’s best pudding

TEHRAN – Iran’s Shole Zard has earned global recognition as the world’s best pudding, according to TasteAtlas — an international food guide website.

Enemy wanted Ashura to be the end but it became the root of all uprisings: Raisi

TEHRAN -Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi addressed a group of mourners in Birjand where he said Ashura is the root of all uprisings.

By Mona Hojat Ansari

Arbaeen walk; step by step to heaven

TEHRAN - This year, the occasion of Arbaeen is taking place amidst extreme summer heat like a couple of years before. 

Arbaeen trek opens new opportunities for Kermanshah tourism, minister says

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism minister Ezzatollah Zarghami has said the long Arbaeen trek should be embraced as a new opportunity for Kermanshah province