ARRAM.--Muharram, the name of the first month of the Muhammadan year,
has now become the name by which are known the days of mourning spent by
the Shia'hs in commemoration of the martyrdoms of 'Ali and of his two sons
Hasan and Husain. The historical events thus referred to have been already
described in the third chapter, so that it is only necessary now to give an
account of the ceremonies connected with the Muharram. They differ in
different countries. The following is a description of an Indian Muharram.

Some days previous to the feast, the 'Ashur Khana (literally, ten-day
house) is prepared. As soon as the new moon appears, the people gather
together in the various 'Ashur Khanas, and offer a Fatiha over some sherbet
or some sugar in the name of Husain. The Fatiha concludes thus: "O God,
grant the reward of this to the soul of Husain." The sherbet and sugar are
then given to the poor. Then they mark a spot for the Allawa, or hole for
the bonfire which is to be lit. Every night during the festival these fires
are kindled, and the people, both old and young, fence across the fire with
swords or sticks, and jump about calling out: "'Ali! Noble Husain! Noble
Husain! Dulha! Dulha! Bridegroom! Bridegroom! Friend! &c." These words they
repeat hundreds of times.

In some parts of the country they erect an Imam Bara (Imam-house). This is
often a substantial building, frequently used afterwards as a mausoleum for
the founder and his family. In South India the 'Ashur Khana only is known.
This is generally a temporary structure, or {238} some large hall fitted up
for the occasion. Sometimes the walls are draped with black cloth, bordered
with texts of the Quran written in a large and elegant style. The place is
brilliantly illuminated. On one side stands the Taziahs or
Tabuts--structures made of bamboos covered with tinsel and profusely
ornamented. They are intended to represent the mausoleum erected on the
plains of Karbala over the remains of Husain. Sometimes the Taziah is
constructed to represent the Prophet's tomb at Madina. Large sums of money
are spent on these Taziahs, which when lighted up have a very elegant
appearance. At the back of the Taziahs are laid the several articles
similar to those supposed to have been used by Husain at Karbala,--a turban
of gold, a rich sword, a shield, a bow and arrow. The Mimbar, or pulpit is
so placed that the speaker can face Mecca. The 'Alams, or standards, which
are commonly made of