This film is about symbolism and ritual. About what people do. The rites of the first ten days of Muharram as commemorated in and around South Asia, which is home to the largest population of shias in the world. It is about what people do during the first ten days of Muharram, from the mild and somber beginnings on the first day till the vibrant and soul shaking climax on the tenth day. It is about ritual, about the meanings of rituals, about the significance of each particular rite, the religious practices of the ten days including prayer, majlis, fasting, and more. The film will refer to history and historical records and trace the roots of the religious practices and rituals. Although it will go in depth into the history, geography, culture and tradition of the Shias, it will largely focus on how the Shia nation observes the first ten days of Muharram and the significance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husseyn. The film will include individual opinions and interviews with learned members and/or scholars of the local Shia community.

The film is NOT about any particular religious or sectarian point of view or perspective. The script does not pronounce judgment on any practice or ritual, nor pass any verdict on the religious validity of practices. The film does not propose to promote any particular religious or sectarian belief.