What is Muharram and when does it take place in 2026?
Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH. Based on lunar calendar calculations and confirmed moon sightings, Muharram commenced on 16 June in much of the Middle East, while some South Asian countries observed the beginning on 17 June. The most significant day, Ashura, is expected to be observed on 25–26 June, depending on local religious authorities. As the Hijri calendar is lunar-based, observance dates may vary by one day across countries. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is observed through voluntary fasting, prayer, and charitable activities. For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a period of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, with rituals including Majlis, recitations, processions, and Tazia processions.
Which areas in APAC are most affected?
India: Kolkata (Sealdah Railway Station, Zakaria Street, Park Circus, Metiabruz), Mumbai (Mohammad Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar, Dongri, Byculla), Pune (Pune Camp, Imamwada), Delhi (Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal, Nizamuddin), Lucknow (Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Teele Wali Masjid), Patna (Gandhi Maidan, Patna Junction), Hyderabad (Charminar, Darulshifa, Yakutpura), Srinagar (Zadibal, Hassanabad, Lal Bazar), Leh (Balkhang), Bengaluru (Millers Road, Richmond Road), Surat (Zampa Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar), Bhopal (Imami Gate, Koh-e-Fiza), Chennai (Royapuram, Triplicane), Ahmedabad (Jamalpur, Dariyapur), Indore (Rajwada, Chhatribagh). South Asia: Bangladesh (Husaini Dalan, Dhaka), Pakistan (Nishtar Park, Karachi; Badshahi Mosque, Lahore), Sri Lanka (Slave Island, Colombo), Afghanistan (Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif). Southeast Asia: Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya), Singapore (Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai), Thailand (Bangkok, Pattani), Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan), Philippines (Manila, Marawi).
What are the possible disruptions?
Key disruptions include communal violence (stone pelting, clashes, vandalism), terrorism threats, civil disturbance (protests, rallies, agitations), temporary or partial internet suspensions, traffic restrictions (road blockades, diversions), heightened security deployments and checkpoints, airport service delays (flight delays, cancellations, longer wait times), critical infrastructure crowding and stampedes, and health risks (injuries, exhaustion, dehydration).
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should review local event schedules and anticipated gathering locations in advance. Large religious gatherings may result in temporary road closures, traffic congestion, and restricted access to commercial districts. Assess the potential impact on business continuity, logistics, and supply chain operations. Coordinate with logistics partners, pre-position critical inventory, and plan for delays during and immediately after the observance window. Enhance physical security measures at offices, facilities, and warehouses. Verify access control systems, intrusion detection, alarms, CCTV, and perimeter security are fully operational. Maintain updated emergency contact information and establish clear communication procedures. For sites in higher-risk areas, coordinate with local law enforcement. Individuals should plan journeys in advance, anticipate localized traffic disruptions, allow additional travel time, and identify alternate routes. Confirm the operating status of public transportation. Maintain situational awareness in crowded areas, keep personal belongings secure, and follow instructions from authorities. Prepare a basic travel kit with water, snacks, medications, and first-aid supplies. Emergency contacts: India: 112 (ERSS), 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance). Pakistan: 15 (Police), 1122 (Rescue). Bangladesh: 999. Sri Lanka: 118 or 119 (Police), 110 (Ambulance/Fire). Indonesia: 110 (Police), 112 (Emergency). Malaysia: 999 or 112. Philippines: 117 or 911. Singapore: 999 (Police), 995 (Ambulance/Fire). Thailand: 191 (Police), 1669 (Medical).
Frequently asked questions
When is Muharram and Ashura in 2026?
Muharram commenced on 16 June 2026 in much of the Middle East, with some South Asian countries observing from 17 June. Ashura is expected on 25–26 June 2026, depending on local moon-sighting.
Which cities in India are most affected by Muharram processions?
Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Leh, Bengaluru, Surat, Bhopal, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Indore are most affected.
What are the emergency contact numbers for APAC countries?
India: 112 (ERSS), 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance). Pakistan: 15, 1122. Bangladesh: 999. Sri Lanka: 118/119, 110. Indonesia: 110, 112. Malaysia: 999 or 112. Philippines: 117 or 911. Singapore: 999, 995. Thailand: 191, 1669.
Download the full advisory now
datasurfr’s Special Advisory on Muharram in the APAC – 2026 carries the complete country-by-country observation sites, the full disruption assessment, and a detailed contacts directory. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: APACThreat Intelligence Special Reports
