‘Spring of Martyrdom’ Int’l Festival Underway in Karbala
Delegation from 44 countries are taking part in the religious and cultural event, according to the website of the Astan (custodianship) of the holy shrine.
Ali Kadhim Sultan, a member of the organizing committee, said the motto of this year’s festival is “Imam Hussein (AS) in Hearts of Nations”.
He said various programs, including a book fair, art exhibition, cultural activities for women and Quranic circles will be held during the festival.
Qaris from Iran and Egypt will take part in the Quranic circles, he added.
According to Muhsin al-Wazni, another official with the committee, a number of Iraqis residing in other countries who have made achievements and served humanity in different fields like education, medicine and engineering will be honored as part of the programs.
He said the festival aims to promote the Islamic culture and the teachings of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) and develop bonds with Muslims all around the world.
In an address to the opening ceremony, Hojat-ol-Islam Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Karbalayi, custodian of the shrine, said the Iraqi society has proven devotion of the teachings of Imam Hussein (AS).
The Rabee’-ul-Shahadah (spring of martyrdom) international religious-cultural is annually held on the birthday anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), Hazrat Abbas (AS) and Imam Sajjad (AS) in the lunar month of Shaaban.
This year, the three occasions fall on February 24, 25 and 26 respectively.
The festival will run until Monday, February 27.
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