In pictures: Ashura festival

Shia Muslims around the world have been celebrating the religious festival of Ashura.

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in 680. The event led to the split in Islam into two main sects - Sunnis and Shias.

Some Shia beat themselves with chains and blades to emulate Hussein's suffering - though this is frowned upon by others.

Celebrants around the world re-enact Imam Hussein's death in a battle near the Iraqi city of Karbala.

Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Security was stepped up in Iraq, where pilgrims have flocked to mark Ashura despite the threat of insurgent attacks.

Pakistan has a history of tension between its majority Sunni and minority Shia Muslims.

At least 23 people died in a suicide bomb attack and ensuing violence in the north-western Pakistani town of Hangu.

Hundreds more were caught up in fighting between Sunnis and Shia in Afghanistan, which left several dead.

But for most, the Ashura festival was marked peacefully as a solemn day of mourning and commemoration.

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