The Islamic Year of 1447 began on Friday which was the first day of the month of Muharram. The month is one of the four holy periods during the year for Muslims. Prophet Muhammad, the messenger of Allah, is believed to have said: "The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah's month Al-Muharram."
Saudi Arabia placed the new 'Kiswa', the black silk covering of the Kaaba, the focus of prayers, as the Islamic New Year began. The New Year marks the migration, or hijra, of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. For this reason, the Islamic lunar year is referred to as the Hijri calendar. In India, the New Year was declared after the sighting of the moon on June 26, after which the Hilal Committee announced that Muharram will start on June 27.
The most important day of Muharram, Ashura, will be observed on the tenth day, which will be July 6 in the Gregorian calendar. The day is significant because it is the anniversary of major events in Islamic tradition. The day is especially important for the Shia sect.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, national general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, said that the day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, prophet Muhammad's grandson, and his 72 companions, including a six-month-old child, who died in a struggle for control of the Muslim community (called the caliph) after the death of the prophet. During Muharram, Shias carry taziyas, or replicas of the martyrs' mausoleums at Karbala, Iraq.
Ashura will begin at 4.32 am on July 6 and end at iftar at 7.25 pm. Like the month of Ramza, Muharram is spent in fasting, charity, prayer, and various religious activities, reflecting the values of patience and remembrance. Shias organise religious talks where scholars speak about the significance of the events.
The Haj Committee of India under the Ministry of Minority Affairs has announced registrations for Haj 2026. Haj will be held between May 24 and 29 May, 2026.
The HCI said that after the release of the preliminary arrangements document by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Haj application form will be made available on the HCI's official website and the Haj Suvidha App by the second week of July 2026. The HCI will also release the Haj Policy 2026. The Haj quota will be notified separately after announcement by the Saudi Arabian government.
Individuals intending to perform Haj 2026 through the HCI have been advised to keep funds ready for the first installment of Rs 1.5 lakh and ensure the availability of passports that are machine-readable and valid at least up December 31, 2026.
