This would be the Muharram (also known as the Tenth of Ashura). This is celebrated by Shiite Muslims exclusively as a day of mourning during the first month of their calendar for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali. It is not required that they hurt themselves, but some Muslims choose to do this while mourning.
You are likely thinking of Muharram or the Tenth of Ashura (it's the same holiday). However, it is not dedicated to remembering Muhammad, but his grandon, Hussein ibn Ali, who was brutally murdered by Caliph Yazid I. This day mourning is commemorated exclusively by Shiite Muslims. It is not required that they hurt themselves, but some Muslims choose to do this while mourning.
Ashura is a religious observance marked every year by Muslims. The word 'ashura literally means "10th," as it is on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. 'Ashura is an ancient observance that is now recognized for different reasons and in different ways among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.Sunni observe fasting during this timeShi'a observe mourning of the prophet's grandson during this time .Strictly speaking, Muslims shouldn't do anything for Christmas, since it is not a Muslim festival.
India is a vast nation with regional festivals during harvest and other religious festivity. Diwali is the festival of light. Holi is the festivals of colour. Baishaki is harvest festival in the north. Pongal/Onum is harvest festival in the south. Bihu is harvest festival in the east. Ganesh festival for the god ganesh. Ramzan/Id festival of the Muslims.
yes Muslims try to do it during Ramadan because that was what prophet Mohammed did during Ramadan he and gabriel were reading whole of the Qur'an to each other. and now Muslims try to do the same either by themselves or with a group of friends
according to both shia and sunni scholars this is banned in Islam. but according to local cultures some people do this. recent years this has been decreasing. every years scholars announce and prohibit Muslims about this. especially Shia scholars. but still some Muslims mostly ignorant Muslims do this every year.
Pratap Malla (1641-1674) started Gai Jatra. Pictures/videos at http://www.nepalisite.com/festival/2009/gaijatra.cfm
The Muslims have only 2 rightful celebrations, the two eids: Eid al Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice, during the month of Dhul Hijah (when people go on pilgrimage to Mekkah) and Eid al Fitr - the festival that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. There other special occasions, but they are not holidays or festivals.During the Prophet's time, only thse 2 festivals were celebrated. During the Eid Al Adha and Eid al Fitra Muslims must go to the mosque in the morning, they pray and then they meet with their relatives, they give presents to the children and so on.
Muslims are not required to go anywhere during the holidays of others. During Hajj, Muslims go to Mecca.
Kaaba is the direction to which all Muslims orient themselves during the daily praying.Kaaba is the place that all Muslims during pilgrimage (Hajj or Omra); or before/after praying; move around (anticlockwise) for seven times as one of the ritual worships.
Muslims feel that the food that is available should be food that other Muslims enjoy; as well as oneself. At Ramadan- Muslims feast on ALL of their favorite foods... even foods they were banned to respect during fasting... such as -Pork -Beef -Alcohol Muslims enjoy the Ramadan because it is a time to "pig out" (as one might say)... after Muslims follow their religious path into fasting or starving themselves from Sunrise to Sunset. Water... also counts as a part of fasting that is not allowed.
Muslims, or Moors
Muslims orient themselves toward the Kaaba in Mecca when praying because it is considered the holiest site in Islam. The act of facing the Kaaba during prayer symbolizes unity and solidarity among the Muslim community, as all Muslims around the world face the same direction when they pray. It also serves as a physical focal point to help Muslims concentrate and feel a connection with the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the origins of Islam.
the muslims prey to the holy god