Srinagar, Kashmir, India

(EPA/FAROOQ KHAN)

Kashmiri Shiite Muslims are covered in blood as they shout religious slogans in mourning for the death of Imam Hussein during Ashura procession in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, 27 December 2009. Some believers fllagelate themselves with sharp objects till blood comes out, in order to experience some of the suffering Imam Hussein is said to have endured before his death, and show devotion to him. Muslims across the world are observing Muharram, the first month of Islamic calender, the climax of Muharram is the Ashura festival commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed in the Iraqi city of Karbala in the seventh century.