News / Iraq

Karbala pilgrims gather in Iraq amid tight security measures

Sunday, 29 November 2015 7:20 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 29 November 2015 7:29 PM ]

This AP image taken in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, shows Shia pilgrims marching to Karbala for the Arba'een ceremony marking the end of the forty day mourning period following the anniversary of the 7th century martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims from around the globe have been descending in past days on the holy city of Karbala in Iraq to commemorate the Arba’een ceremony which marks 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH).

Press TV correspondent in Karbala, Altaf Ahmad, said that black-clad mourners from various Iraqi cities and neighboring countries including Iran, Turkey and Kuwait, are marching toward the city to take part in the Arba’een in honor of Imam Hussein and his 72 companions who were killed in 680 in an epic battle against the tyrant of the time Yazid I.

Shia Muslim pilgrims walk on a highway in Baghdad's Dora district on November 25, 2015 on their way to the holy city of Karbala in central Iraq, where they take part in the Arba'een religious festival which marks the 40th day after Ashura which commemorates the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein. (AFP Photo)

Security is reported to be tight in the Iraqi cities in order to prevent any terrorist attacks by Takfiri groups operating in the country.

The pilgrims, who are taking part in one of the world's largest human gatherings, have come to Imam Hussein’s shrine to reaffirm their allegiance to the Imam and his ideals.

The Press TV correspondent said over 20 million pilgrims are expected to gather in Karbala during this year’s ceremony, showing a notable increase compared to last year’s 17 to 18 million.