The 19th night of Ramadan (coinciding with 30 March this year) is a special night for Shia Muslims in that they mourn the martyrdom anniversary of their first Imam – Imam Ali (martyred in 661 AD).

Imam Reza shrine in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad marks this night every year by raising black flags over the golden dome.

There are also special mourning programs and eulogies underway in the shrine as all the courtyards mark the occasion with black coverings.