Millions of Iranian Muslims participated in mourning ceremonies on Wednesday to mark the death of Iman Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Iranian Muslims participated in mourning ceremonies on Wednesday to mark the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, according to Gregorian calendar.

The mourners from across the country attended the mass ceremonies and congregated at mosques or in public for sorrowful and poetic recitations grieving to the tune of beating drums and chants.

Also religious clerics gave sermons with the themes of Imam Hussein's personality and position in Islam, and the history of his uprising. They recited the Battle of Karbala, located in today Iraq, to allow the listeners to relive the pain and sorrow endured by Imam Hussein and his family.

In some parts of Iran, tragic passion plays were also performed enacting the Battle of Karbala and the suffering of Hussein at the hands of his enemies.

Mosques and some people provided free meals or nazri to all people, which are viewed being special and holy as they have been consecrated in the name of Hussein and partaking of it is considered an act of communion with God.

Ashura, the Day of Remembrance and the tenth day of holy month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, is the climax of the commemorations of the death of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, in the Battle of Karbala took place in October 680, when he was massacred with a small group of his companions and family members.

The incident had a great impact on the religious conscience of Muslims, particularly Shiite Muslims.