With Arbaeen approaching, roads across Iraq leading to the holy city of Karbala are lined with moukebs—volunteer-run stations offering food, water, rest, and medical assistance to pilgrims making the long walk.
Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The pilgrimage attracts millions of people each year, many of whom travel on foot for hundreds of kilometers in a show of devotion.
This year, Arbaeen falls on August 14. Pilgrims typically begin walking toward Karbala about two weeks in advance.
Last year, more than 20 million people took part in the pilgrimage, according to Iraqi authorities — making it one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
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Thousands of Iraqi volunteers, many from local tribes and religious organizations, have mobilized to run the moukebs. While many of them are set up in Najaf and Basra, the services extend all the way to Karbala.
Hundreds of Iranian institutions and volunteer groups also launch moukebs along the route to provide a variety of services to pilgrims.
Security measures have also been reinforced as the number of pilgrims continues to grow in the lead-up to the main day.
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