Muharram, The Festival Of Flagellation

Ouch. The Muslim world this past week observed Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The 10th day of Muharram is Ashura, when Shi'ite Muslims mourn the death of the grandson of the Prophent Mohammed. Very devout Shi'ites cut and whip themselves into a bloody froth in observance. Here are photos of Ashura from Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. WARNING: Graphic images.