The Islamic New Year, Muharram, marks the beginning of the new Muslim lunar calendar. It is also known as the Hijri New Year. The Islamic calendar has 354 or 355 days. When compared to the Gregorian calendar, it is roughly 11 days shorter. The Islamic New Year starts with Muharram & ends with Dhul al-Hijjah. Muharram is considered as the second holiest month after Ramadan. Dhul al-Hijjah is the month in which devotees go for Hajj to Mecca. In 2021, the Hijri New Year will begin in the second week of August. Ashura falls on the 10th day of the month of Muharram. Ashura is the day when Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad & and his family members were martyred in the Battle of Karbala. The month of Muharram will start from August 10 in India only if the moon is seen on August 9. However, if the moon is not sighted on August 9, then the Muharram month will start from August 11. Watch the video to know more.