1. HOSAY, a remembrance festival observed by Shi’a, or Shiite, Muslims, was brought to Trinidad and Tobago in 1845 and takes place over four nights on dates dictated by the Islamic lunar calendar.
2. Hosay commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons Hassan and Hussein at the battle of Kerbala in then-Persia (now Iran).
3. The first night commemorates flag night, with a procession of multi-coloured flags symbolising the beginning of the battle.
4. On the second night, small tadjahs (mausoleums) are carried through the streets, to the sound of tassa drumming. The tadjahs are decorated symbols of mosques, and volunteers undergo prior purification rituals.
5. On the third night, there are large tadjahs, much more elaborate and sizable than those of the previous night. Volunteers carry two large crescent-shaped moons, symbolising the brothers.
6. There are day-time activities on the fourth day, with a simulation of the battle and prayers for the fallen brothers. After prayers, the tadjahs are dismantled.
7. While the main activities are held in St. James, there are others in various parts of the country. Participants include people from other religious faiths.
8. The Caribbean-style festival is also observed in Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and other regional countries.
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