Karbala to Host 20 Million Pilgrims on Arbaeen

The number of pilgrims gathering in the holy city of Karbala on the day of Arbaeen is predicted to reach 20 million.

Nasif Al-Khatabi, head of the provincial council of Karbala province predicted the figure, saying that due preparations have been made to host this number of pilgrims, Sawt Al-Iraq website reported.

Arbaeen marks the anniversary of the 40^th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 after Hijra (680 A.D.).

On this day, Shia Muslims all over the world mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

Al-Khatabi said more than 3000 vehicles are used for carrying pilgrims who come from inside Iraq as well as other countries.

The official predicted that half of the Arbaeen pilgrims coming to Karbala will be non-Iraqis.

He added that as well as the city’s hotels,  a number of schools have been prepared to accommodate the pilgrims.

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