Hussaini Dalan
হোসেনী দালান
A 17th-century Mughal-era Shia imambara with a white-and-blue façade reflected in a pool, and the starting point of the Ashura processions.
Hussaini Dalan was built in 1642 during the reign of Mughal prince Shah Shuja. It serves as an imambara, the hall where Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The façade was rebuilt in the 19th century and today is white with blue decoration. A long rectangular pool in front reflects the building, making it very photogenic. Each year on Ashura, which falls in the first month of the Islamic calendar, large processions set out from here. The site is open to visitors during the day. Remove your shoes, dress respectfully, and women should cover their heads. It is in Old Dhaka, about a 10-minute walk from Dhakeshwari Temple.
Opening hours
Daytime (visits paused during prayer times)
Nearby sights
- Central Shaheed Minar
- Curzon Hall
- Star Mosque
- Dhakeshwari Temple
- Bara Katra
- Lalbagh Fort
- Suhrawardy Udyan
- Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection