The Impact of Rituals of Moharram on Social Identity of the Shiites in India

The Month of Moharram has a special meaning for the Shiites. This characteristic which is regarded as one of its privileges has diverse and critical capabilities and functions for some Shia minorities, especially in India. The close affiliation of the Shia in Indian Subcontinent with religious traditions and rites is such that has turned it into the ground for Shia studies in this region. Studying the social history of Shia population in India indicates that there is a close linkage between ritual traditions and religious and political life of the Shiite as well as between them and other ethnical and religious groups in this country. Adherence of the Shiites to mourning rituals for Martyrs of Karbala possesses both religious and social nature and includes a set of social, cultural, historical and political features. This Shiite religious tradition, in turn, forms or influences the Shiite literature, art, social relations and political developments as well as their apprehension of religion. This essay is an effort to delve into some impacts of mourning rituals during the Month of Moharram on Shiite social identity by emphasizing orient list's viewpoints.