Shia Muslims around the world are marking Ashura - the climax of the holy month of Muharram.

The festival commemorates the death the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Thousands thronged the holy Iraqi city.

In Iran, thousands gathered for a huge procession in the capital Tehran, beating their heads and chests.

In Iraq's capital Baghdad, believers re-enacted what they call the martyrdom of Imam Hussein by the armies of the caliph Yazid.

Many cried as Imam Hussein's story was narrated during mass gatherings.

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan, women touched a horse, symbolising the horse that carried Imam Hussein during the battle of Karbala.

Some Shia men seek to emulate the suffering of Hussein by flagellating themselves until blood streams from their bodies.

Some - like on this picture from Rangoon in Burma - walked on burning charcoals to inflict suffering on themselves.

There was also traditional fire spitting as seen on this photo from Karachi, Pakistan.