Muslim ceremony commemorating the death of the Prophet's grandson

This picture shows the moment a small boy has a gash cut in his head as part of a Muslim Ashura ceremony.

The tradition, which commemorates the death of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, is seen by some Shi'ite Muslims as away of washing away their sins.

The Day of Ashura is a national holiday in some Muslim countries, with thousands taking part in annual rituals which include people whipping and cutting themselves with chains and knives.

This Shi'ite Muslim child had his head gashed during a procession ahead of Ashura in Mumbai, India, yesterday.

Muslims took part in the event to commemorate Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, who died in battle 1,300 years ago.

Other Shi'ites were seen drenched in blood during the processions in India, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

Young children carried large knives through the street and were seen with blood pouring from head wounds. 

There were similar scenes in Lahore, Pakistan, where men were seen with open wounds and scars as they lashed each other.