Arbaeen 2024: Iranian pilgrims join million-strong march

Tens of thousands of Iranian pilgrims have already started their on-foot journey to the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, to attend the million-strong Arbaeen procession.

Several groups of pilgrims from various provinces have arrived in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran, as Iranian officials have implemented numerous measures to facilitate the event.

The Arbaeen mourning ceremony is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. It commemorates the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS). Held annually, Arbaeen falls on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Imam Hussein was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Each year, a large number of Shias travel to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites. Pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, often journey long distances on foot to reach the holy city.

Iran's Interior Minister has confirmed that the country’s borders are "fully prepared" to facilitate the movement of pilgrims for this year’s Arbaeen procession.

During a visit to Khuzestan province on Thursday, Ahmad Vahidi discussed the coordination with Iraqi authorities, stating, "Necessary arrangements have been made with our Iraqi brothers, and things are progressing well. Significant work has been done at the Iran-Iraq borders, and we hope that the movement of pilgrims will proceed smoothly."

Vahidi pointed to the passage of foreign nationals for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, adding that "Non-resident foreign nationals will cross at the Chazzabeh border, while resident foreign nationals will use the Shalamcheh border."

Chazzabeh border is situated 110 kilometers northwest of the Iranian city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province and Shalamcheh is a town located in the province and situated on the border with Iraq, north-west of Abadan.

"Our Iraqi counterparts have announced that 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims will pass through Iran’s borders on their way to Iraq,” Vahidi noted.

He also mentioned that last year, more than 4 million pilgrims crossed the borders, and this year, they anticipate a 10 to 20 percent increase in the number of pilgrims.

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Year after year, more and more pilgrims join the Arbaeen procession, joining a call for justice and action.

This year, the Arbaeen ceremony will again draw global participation, with Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran, Naseer Abdul Mohsen Abdullah, announcing on Tuesday that "pilgrims from 150 countries" will partake in the procession.   

In the meantime, Iranian authorities have implemented measures to facilitate the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

In an interview with ISNA news agency, published on Friday, Hossein Zafari, spokesperson for Iran’s Crisis Management Organization, detailed the Interior Ministry’s coordinated efforts to ensure the "safety and security of participants."

He emphasized that, in addition to security, actions are also being taken to provide "relief and services to the pilgrims,” urging participants to heed medical advice and drive carefully both within and outside the country’s borders.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,500 Iranian moukebs will serve an expected five million pilgrims in this year’s Arbaeen procession, according to an official with Iran's Arbaeen Headquarters. "Of these, 1,200 will enter Iraq, and 2,300 will provide services at the borders and on the routes leading to the borders,” Majid Namjoo said on July 22, according to IQNA.

Moukebs are temporary tents or stations that provide essential services such as food, water, and rest for pilgrims.

In a related effort, a health delegation was dispatched to Iran’s western borders on Thursday, following a ceremony attended by Health Minister Bahram Einollahi and other officials.

The delegation aims to ensure the well-being of pilgrims during the Arbaeen procession.

Earlier in the week, Reza Fallah, Director General of the Red Crescent Society of Kerman province, announced that the province's rescue and medical team would also be deployed for the Arbaeen procession.

He confirmed that "80 doctors and nurses" would be on hand to provide services from August 15 to September 15.

Brigadier General Iraj Kakavand, Head of the Anti-Narcotics Police of Iran, expressed satisfaction with the strong and authoritative presence of the Anti-Narcotics Police at border terminals, which helps facilitate the movement of pilgrims and enhances service during the procession.

Additionally, Mohammad Saberi, head of Kerman’s emergency services, announced the deployment of 15 ambulances, 3 bus ambulances, 1 motor ambulance, and 45 emergency personnel to the Mehran and Khosravi border crossings to assist with the pilgrimage.

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