Ashura commemorations begin in Baghdad Ceremonies marking the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, a key figure in Shiite Islam began Wednesday evening in Baghdad. Millions of Shiite Muslims from Iraq and around the world mark Ashura, which this year climaxes on Thursday, by setting up procession tents where food is distributed to passers-by and pilgrims can gather, or by walking to Karbala, which is home to a shrine to Imam Hussein.