Iran Launches Extensive Programs Nationwide to Celebrate Eid al-Ghadir
These details were announced on Tuesday, during a press conference by Hojat-ol-Islam Kamal Khodadadeh, Acting Deputy for Ceremonies and Provincial Affairs at the Islamic Propagation Coordination Council.
“More than 50 cultural institutions are involved in organizing these programs under the council’s guidance,” Khodadadeh noted, emphasizing the opportunity these events provide for promoting Islamic teachings.
“This year, the focus is on Nahj al-Balagha, aiming to deepen understanding of its content,” he added, referring to the well-known collection of sermons and sayings attributed to Imam Ali (AS).
One of the main features of the festivities is what Khodadadeh described as “kilometer-long joyful marches” held in major cities. “These public street events can evolve into major cultural experiences,” he said. “They’ll include everything from children’s games to booths showing solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
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He also announced that the Ghadir Khumm event will be reenacted in 149 locations across the country. “This initiative combines historical, artistic, and educational elements,” Khodadadeh said, adding that as part of the campaign, named after Imam Ali (AS), 110 inmates convicted of unintentional offenses will be released in each province.
Food distribution on Eid al-Ghadir is another key part of the celebration. Khodadadeh noted that the “Alawi Alleys” campaign encourages residents to cook extra food and share it with neighbors. “We’re not limiting food-sharing to the day of the street festivals—neighborhoods are also taking part,” he said.
More than 2,400 service booths or moukebs will be stationed along the main route of the march in Tehran, from Azadi Square to Imam Hossein Square. “We’ve learned valuable lessons from past years,” Khodadadeh said. “Planning and coordination are now in place to improve the event each year.”
When asked about how this year’s celebration differs from previous ones, he highlighted a more vibrant presence of thematic booths focused on children, families, the culture of resistance, and the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha.
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Khodadadeh emphasized the inclusive nature of the celebration. “Imam Ali (AS) is a unifying figure for both Sunnis and Shias,” he said. “Joyful marches will be held in all provinces, including those with significant Sunni populations. In places like Kurdistan, Golestan, and Hormozgan, local Sunni communities are preparing their own events.”
He also pointed to an upcoming gathering of Sunni Sayyids in Hormozgan Province and said that on the international front, special programs focused on Imam Ali (AS) will be held in 200 universities worldwide, especially among student groups. “We’re also organizing academic webinars on Nahj al-Balagha and the life of Imam Ali (AS),” he said.
As part of symbolic gestures, Khodadadeh announced that 60,000 flowers have been donated by Iran’s national florists’ union for decorating the shrines of Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hussein (AS), and other sacred sites in Iraq. “Groups of reciters will also read the Ghadir Sermon in the shrine of Imam Ali (AS) and various other locations around the world,” he added.
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The event of Ghadir, or Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated by Shia Muslims around the world every year.
It is among important feasts and happy holidays of Shia Muslims held on the 18th day of Dhul Hijjah in the lunar Hijri calendar, which falls on Saturday, June 14, this year.
It was the day when according to reports, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his caliph and the Imam after himself following an order from God.
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