REUTERS A shocking image from this year's rituals show a bloodied man

FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

The holy Day of Ashura festival sees millions of Muslim men and boys around the world take part in the dramatic ceremony. It is held to mourn the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Husayn, in 680 AD, during the Battle of Karbala. The 10-day festival is observed by both Sunni and Shia sects, although self-harm is discouraged by some Shia leaders who say it creates a negative image of Islam.

REUTERS The Ashura ritual takes part across the Middle East

The 10-day festival is observed by both Sunni and Shia sects

Shocking images from this year's ritual show streets in Iraq soaked with blood and youngsters posing with knives, spears and chains. The worshippers’ white robes are splattered with blood and many have open wounds on the tops of their heads. Those not carrying out the brutal acts slap their chests, chant, and act in street plays.

EPA Shiite Afghans flagellate themselves with chains during a mourning procession commemorating Ashura

It is also common to combine the rituals with a pilgrimage to the Mashhad al-Husyn in Iraq, which is thought to be the resting place of the Prophet’s grandson. Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and Pakistan mark the day of Ashura as a public holiday, although it was banned under Saddam Hussein's rule. But the annual ceremony is also often targeted by Islamic extremists, and this year is no exception.

REUTERS Many of the worshippers have open wounds on the tops of their heads

A series of blasts targeting Shia Muslims in Dhaka killed at least one person and wounded dozens more earlier today, as they gathered for a procession in the old part of the Bangladesh capital to mark the holy day. Police cordoned off the area and were investigating the blasts, which they said were caused by improvised explosive devices. It was unclear who carried out the attack.