Ashura 2026 Date: When Is 10th Muharram in India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq?
The Day of Ashura will be observed on different dates in 2026 due to regional moon sightings. In Iran and Iraq, where Muharram began on June 16, Ashura falls on Thursday, June 25. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will mark the solemn occasion on Friday, June 26, as their month started June 17.
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Mumbai, June 23: The astronomical and religious calendars for the Islamic New Year 1448 have set different dates for the observance of Ashura 2026 across the Middle East and South Asia. The Day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, will be observed on June 25, 2026, in Iraq and Iran, while communities in India and Pakistan will mark the occasion on June 26, 2026. The one-day variance stems directly from regional differences in the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
Because the Islamic calendar relies on the lunar cycle, a new month begins only when the crescent moon is visible to the naked eye or confirmed by official religious committees.
Ashura 2026 Date
In Iran and Iraq, the crescent moon for the year 1448 AH was sighted earlier, establishing Tuesday, June 16, as the 1st of Muharram. Consequently, the 10th day - Ashura - will fall on Thursday, June 25. Large-scale congregations and standard commemorative arrangements are already underway in major cities like Tehran and Baghdad, as well as the holy city of Karbala.
Conversely, central moon-sighting bodies in South Asia, including Pakistan's Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and major crescent committees across India, confirmed June 17 as the first day of Muharram 2026 (1448). This schedules the 10th of Muharram or Ashura on Friday, June 26, for both India and Pakistan. Is Muharram Celebrated as Festival? Why Do Muslims Self-Flagellate on Ashura? All FAQs Answered.
Muharram-Ashura 2026 Holiday
Governments across the affected nations have formalized these dates through official notifications to manage public life and security.
- Pakistan: The federal government has declared public holidays for Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, corresponding to the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Tasua and Ashura).
- India: Local state governments have designated Friday, June 26, as a gazetted holiday, which will see the closure of government offices, banks, and educational institutions.
- Iraq and Iran: National closures are scheduled for June 25, with Iraq preparing for millions of pilgrims traveling toward the city of Karbala.
Security has been heightened in major urban areas across all four nations. Authorities traditionally deploy extra personnel along procession routes and near mosques to maintain order and ensure safety during public gatherings. Haj 2026: Muslim Pilgrims Perform Hajj Rituals Under Intense Heat in Saudi Arabia As Eid Al-Adha Celebrations Start.
Significance of Ashura or 10th of Muharram
The Day of Ashura holds deep historical and spiritual meaning within Islam, though it is observed differently across major traditions.
For Shia Muslims, it is a solemn period of profound mourning. It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed alongside his family and companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH). The day serves as a commemoration of justice, resilience, and standing up against tyranny.
For Sunni Muslims, the day is traditionally observed through voluntary fasting and reflection. It commemorates the day God saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from the Egyptian Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, an event marked by expressions of gratitude and piety.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
