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It is not obligatory but it is recommended. It is considered to be an appropriate form of expression on Ashura, and a means of attracting divine blessings and linking the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt to the Ahl al-Bayt.

Here are some hadith that may be helpful: https://www.al-islam.org/forty-hadith-on-azadari/ahadith-traditions

Sh'is do not accept the hadith saying to fast on Ashura as valid. They are considered fabrications which came about in/after the time of Yazid to promote Ashura as a day of celebration. (Indeed, in some areas, Ashura is still celebrated as a holiday.)

For more information, you can look at resources such as this: https://www.al-islam.org/understanding-karbala-allamah-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi/appendix-4-fasting-ashura

The first ten days of Muharram are the days of the sufferings of Ahlul Bayt (AS) which started on the arrival in Karbala on the second day of Muharram and ended on the tenth day of Muharram which is called Aashura, when Imam Husain (AS) was martyred along with his family members and companions in Karbala in year 61 After Hijra. These ten days are been observed by Ahlul Bayt (AS) and their followers as days of mourning and grief. Imam Reza (AS) said that his father Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (AS) was always observing these ten days with grief and sadness.

Followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) observe these ten days with Majaalis (religious gatherings and sermons) remembering the tragedies of Karbala and the aims and teachings of Imam Husain (AS). Millions of believers attend these gatherings all over the world, and thousands of lectures and sermons are delivered to enlighten people and purify their behavior and make them better human beings.  Millions of poor people are been fed during these ten days as a practice of generosity which is part of the teachings of Imam Husain (AS).

Wassalam.

It is not prohibited. However some ulama says it is mostahab to make day of Ashura, day of sorrow and do not eat so much during the day.