Muslims mark day of Ashura around the world

Shi'ite pilgrims beat their chests, ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar in Baghdad, Iraq.

Shi'ite pilgrims flagellate themselves ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar in the holy city of Kerbala, Iraq.

Shi'ite Muslim women take part in an Ashura procession in Istanbul, Turkey.

Shi'ite Muslims take part in an Ashura procession in Istanbul, Turkey.

Kashmiri Shi'ite Muslims mourners beat their chests during a Muharram procession ahead of Ashura in Srinagar.

A Kashmiri Shi'ite Muslim mourner reacts as he is detained by Indian police while trying to participate in a Muharram procession ahead of Ashura in Srinagar.

A Kashmiri Shi'ite Muslim mourner shouts slogans from a police vehicle after he was detained by Indian police while trying to participate in a Muharram procession ahead of Ashura in Srinagar.

An Iraqi Shi'ite man pours black oil, to prepare the torch ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq.

Iraqi Shi'ite Muslims carry torches during a mourning ritual ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq.

Iraqi Shi'ite Muslims perform the torch procession during a mourning ritual ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq.