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Mourning processions marking Muharram are underway across Bhopal on Friday, with thousands of devotees taking part in commemorations of the martyrs of Karbala. Tazias, Burraq, Sawaris and Alam (religious standards) are moving through different parts of the city as mourners gather in large numbers. Police and the district administration have step up security across the old city and enforce traffic diversions along the procession routes. Processions begin from different parts of the city Mourning processions started in the morning from Fatehgarh, Imami Gate, Hamidia Road and the Karond area. All the processions are expected to reach Imami Gate Square between 1 pm and 2 pm, where various Anjumans will perform collective mourning rituals. They will then proceed towards Karbala on VIP Road. Religious sermons at major intersections During the procession, Islamic scholars are delivering religious sermons at key intersections across the city. They are speaking about the Battle of Karbala, the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his struggle and his message for humanity. Members of the Muslim community are observing the occasion with deep devotion and mourning. Why is Muharram observed? Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Its 10th day, known as Ashura, commemorates the historic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, when Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, refused to submit to injustice. Imam Hussain and his 72 companions were martyred in the battle fought in Karbala, Iraq. Muharram is observed every year in remembrance of their sacrifice.