For the Dawoodi Bohra community, this year's Ashara Mubaraka — a nine-day period when they commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain Ibn Ali AS, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed — was different considering the pandemic. Around this time, Dawoodi Bohras from across the world travel to the place where their leader, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, delivers his sermons. This year members of the community from Mumbai and across the world commemorated at home by watching videos of the sermons and getting food delivered at home through community kitchens. The Ashara Mubaraka period, which started on August 20, will continue till tomorrow.

'Following guidelines'

A city-based community representative said, "Abiding by the government guidelines on social distancing, this year the Dawoodi Bohras are observing Ashara Mubaraka at home with their families by watching prayers and sermons online." He further said, "Community members are also watching the sermons delivered by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, his father Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, and grandfather Syedna Taher Saifuddin. Local jamaats and youngsters have been ensuring that senior citizens get the necessary facilities to participate in the online sermons."