Iraqi Official Predicts Participation of 20 Million Pilgrims in Arbaeen March
Speaking at a meeting held to discuss arrangements to ensure security for the Arbaeen procession, Majid Al-Waeli added that nearly 60 percent of the pilgrims are expected to be in Najaf Governorate.
He noted that with the end of the coronavirus restrictions, there will be a large number of pilgrims attending the procession this year.
He also referred to the preparations for ensuring security and said a plan is being implemented for that purpose with the deployment of military and security forces on the roads used by the pilgrims.
The Arbaeen mourning ceremony is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
It marks the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein (AS). This year’s Arbaeen falls on September 17.
Each year, a huge crowd of Shias flock to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites.
The pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to the holy city.
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