2. Self-Flagellation
Self-flagellation is something that is practised not just in India but also Pakistan and Bangladesh during Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala, during which Prophet’s grandson, Hussein ibn Ali, was killed, along with 72 warriors. Shi’a Muslims in the country participate in mass mourning as a remembrance of their sacrifice and martyrdom. A part of this ritual is self-flagellation, where the mourner flogs his own naked body using chains called Matams, which are often have razors attached to them. They mercilessly whip themselves till they are soaked in blood, but claim to feel no pain in a trance.
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