Millions of Shias Converge on Karbala for Tasua, Ashura Mourning Rituals
The pilgrims, from Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and other countries, hold mourning ceremonies on Tasua and Ashura, the ninth and tenth days of the lunar Hijri month of Muharram.
Imam Hussein (AS) and 72 of his faithful companions were martyred on the Day of Ashura in the year 680 AD.
Iraqi ministries and the Astans (custodianships) of the holy shrines in Karbala and other holy cities have made all the necessary preparations to host the mourning pilgrims, according to iraqakhbar website.
Najib Jasim Khatabi, an official in Karbala, said the foreign pilgrims who have arrived in the city are mostly from Iran, South Asia, Africa, and Persian Gulf Arab states.
He said the number of pilgrims is expected to rise further tomorrow, the day of Ashura.
The city’s health department has also mobilized all its forces and facilities to provide health and medical services to the pilgrims.
Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in the month of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his faithful companions.
They were martyred by the tyrant of his time, Yazid Bin Moaweya, in the Battle of Karbala.
