In the historic city of Masuleh, a profound religious ceremony known as "Alam Bandan" takes place on the 6th of Muharram, honoring Imam Hussain, the third Imam of Shi'a Islam.
The heart of the ceremony unfolds at the city's main mosque, O-ne-ben-ne Ali, a site of significance for over 800 years. On this day, members of four distinct local communities converge at the mosque, mourning for Imam Hussain. They gather in the mosque’s courtyard, where they request the "Mir-e Alam Daar"—the Banner Man—to distribute the ceremonial ensigns to each community.
Primarily a male-centric event, women traditionally observe from rooftops. Following the ceremony, each community processes back to their own neighborhoods with their ensigns, continuing their mourning and paying tribute to the ensign of Imam Hussain along the way.
This enduring tradition attracts numerous tourists from across the country to Masuleh every year, drawn by the cultural and religious significance of the event.
