Dawoodi Bohras are the main branch of the Bohras, sub sect of Ismā'īlī Shīa Islām, and are based in India. Their spiritual leader is Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. He is known as the Dāi al-Mutlaq and is the 52nd Dāī in an unbroken chain of Dāiyyūn.

Bohras believe that the 21st Imām, Tayyab Abī l-Qāsim, a direct descendant of Muħammad via his daughter Fātimatu z-Zahra, went into seclusion and established the offices of the Dāī l-Mutlaq and Mukasir. The Dāī al-Mutlaq is the Imām's vicegerent, with full authority to govern the Dawoodi Bohra community in all matters both spiritual and temporal.

Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is the 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the largest group of Musta'li Ismailis, the Dawoodi Bohras. Every year he chooses a city in which to commemorate Ashura or Ashara Mubaraka (the first 10 days of Moharram). Ashura (the tenth of Moharram) is the anniversary of Husaynibn Ali's death. This event holds a lot of significance for the community. Members from around the world descend to hear the Syedna's sermon on the Battle of Karbala.

Ashura Mubaraka 2007 (Hijra 1428) was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.