Ashura 2025 – Major Processions (Juloos) Across the U.S.
📅 Date:
Sunday, July 5, 2025 (10 Muharram 1447 AH)
Note: Some localities may observe on July 5, 2025, depending on moon sighting.
Please reconfirm details with local community as this information is as per the previous year’s record.
1️⃣ New York City, NY – Manhattan Midtown Juloos
- Starting Point: 50th Street & Park Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10022
- Route: March north to 65th Street & Madison Avenue
- Timing: Starts ~10 AM, concludes ~1–2 PM
- Highlights: Zarih display, chest-beating (matam), public majlis, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
2️⃣ Chicago, IL – MASOM Center & Downtown Procession
- Starting Point: MASOM Islamic Center, 4353 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
- Downtown Route: Extends through Michigan Avenue area
- Timing: 11 AM – 2 PM
- Features: Majalis, matam, community kitchens
3️⃣ Houston, TX – Downtown Markazi Juloos
- Starting Point: Near Jones Plaza, Texas Avenue & Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
- Route: Downtown streets (final route announced closer to date)
- Timing: Post-Zuhr/Asr prayers (~2 PM – 4 PM)
- Features: Noha recitations, matam, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
4️⃣ Detroit Metro (Dearborn), MI – Islamic Center of America
- Address: 19500 Ford Road, Dearborn, MI 48128
- Route: Procession along Ford Road
- Timing: Midday
- Highlights: Large turnout, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s, matam
5️⃣ Los Angeles, CA – Downtown LA Procession
- Starting Point: Broadway & 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Route: Eastward along Broadway, ending at central plaza
- Timing: 10 AM – 1 PM
- Features: Reenactment scenes, matam, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
6️⃣ San Francisco Bay Area – Fremont & San Jose Juloos
- Fremont: Hussaini Islamic Center (exact starting point announced closer to date)
- San Jose: Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1436 Hamilton Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
- Timing: Late morning through afternoon
- Features: Dual processions, majalis, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
What Happens at an Ashura Procession?
Ashura processions in the United States remember Imam Hussain (a.s.), his family and companions, who were martyred at Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH. Communities walk together reciting nohas and latmiyat, carry alams (standards) and banners, and usually end with a majlis and dua. Many processions also offer water (sabeel), free food (niyaz) and blood donation drives, reflecting Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) message of service and sacrifice.
Tips for Families Attending
- Check the route and start time with the organising imambargah or centre, as these are confirmed close to Muharram.
- Wear black or dark modest clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Keep children close, agree a meeting point and bring water.
- Follow the instructions of volunteers and police marshals.
Teaching Children About Karbala
Our one-to-one classes include the history of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) and Karbala, taught by qualified Shia teachers in a way that suits each child’s age. See our online Shia Quran classes in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ashura procession?
It is a public walk of remembrance for Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the martyrs of Karbala, held on or around the 10th of Muharram with nohas, alams and a closing majlis.
Can non-Muslims attend Ashura processions in the United States?
Processions are public events and visitors are generally welcome to watch respectfully. Many organisers share information about Imam Hussain (a.s.) with the wider community.
Why do Shia Muslims hold Ashura processions?
To mourn Imam Hussain (a.s.), keep the message of Karbala alive, and publicly stand for justice and truth against oppression.
