Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali on the Day of Ashura during Sunni-Shia conflict in the early history of Islam. Muharram is the day of mourning. Shia march in the streets, self flagellating, flailing and beating themselves. The injury and blood during this festival of mourning serves as a reminder to Shia of the sacrifice and pain of Ali.

Certain traditional flagellation rituals such as Talwar zani (talwar ka matam or sometimes tatbir) use a sword (shown above). Other rituals such as zanjeer zani or zanjeer matam involve the use of a zanjeer (a chain with blades).