Tasoua Hosseini in 2024

When is Tasoua?

Tasoua, also spelt as Tasua or Tasu’a is the ninth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, which is the eve of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam.

Tasoua is a significant national public holiday observed throughout Iran, during which all museums, historical, and cultural sites remain closed.

Traditions of Tasoua

This day is followed by Ashura, on which Imam Hussein and 72 of his loyal companions were martyred the Battle of Karbala in Iraq, over 1,300 years ago. 

Large mourning ceremonies are held at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad and in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. 

Tosoua is also the date of the traditional and religious ritual of 40 Minbar, when women cover their faces and repeat zikrs (prayers) for God and light candles in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.