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Muslims across the world shed their own blood in public yesterday to mark the annual Ashura festival.

The ceremony is an important event on the religious calendar for Shia worshippers and commemorates the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Husayn ibn Ali.

People cut themselves with knives and swords during the festivities, with many believing the practice cleanses them of their sins.

It is also seen as a way of showing respect and grief for Husayn ibn Ali and his family, who were killed alongside him.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The bloodletting ritual is known as Tatbir and is controversial with some Shia Muslims, who claim it is self-harm and therefore forbidden.

The Ashura festival is a national holiday in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon.

The event marks Husayn ibn Ali's death at the Battle of Karbala in 680, when the Prophet's grandson lost in his battle with Yazid I.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)

Shia worshippers believe Husayn ibn Ali went willingly to his death in an act of self-sacrifice.

The clash was caused by a dispute over who the rightful successor to Mohammed was.

A re-enactment of the battle took place in Baghdad yesterday, with hundreds of actors in traditional costumes fighting each other.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Tragedy struck in the Iraqi city of Karbala yesterday when at least 31 Muslims died in a stampede.

Around 100 further people were injured in the crush, which happened after a walkway collapsed as thousands ran to the Imam Hussein shrine in a religious run.

Some critics have slammed the Ashura festival in the past, claiming it psychological damages those taking part, particularly children.

In recent years it has become increasingly popular to donate blood for the festival, however many still take part in the public bloodletting.