The Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months of the year. This day of grief is observed by attempting to replicate the sufferings of Imam Hussain with many holding a fast to observe the day. Shia Muslims do not eat or drink during sunlight hours, as a manner of observing the Muharram Ashura.

In the evening, the Shaam-e-garibaan or evening of grieving is observed in memory of Imam Hussain and the women in his household, who were insulted by the army of Ummiyad King Yazid at Karbala. While many switch off the lights their homes, others, as part of the rite, listen to Zakirs (narrators) recounting tales of one of the saddest chapters in Islam.

For Kausar Zaidi, who has been the anchor for majlis at the Iranian mosque in Dongri, Mumbai for two decades, Ashura and Shaam-e-gariban signify struggle against injustice. "After Imam Hussain was martyred, the tents of the women of his household were burnt and there was darkness all around. We try to wrap ourselves in that moment of darkness and mourning,'' said Zaidi.