Millions Join Arbaeen Pilgrimage as Cross-Border Movement Peaks and Devotional Displays Fill Karbala
According to Shia Waves Persian, the Arbaeen pilgrimage was commemorated in utmost glamour and glory with millions converging at the Holy Shrines over the past few days, culminating with devotional prayers and Ziyarah on Thursday night and Friday. It also saw large-scale cross-border movement and heartfelt acts of sacrifice and service.
From August 4 to 12, more than 1,085,000 Iranian pilgrims departed via the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh border crossings in Khuzestan Province to participate in the annual commemoration. Combined with foreign visitors, total crossings at these two gateways reached 1,904,911, including over 125,000 foreign pilgrims. The figures highlight the strategic role of Khuzestan’s borders in facilitating the movement of worshippers to Karbala.
Meanwhile, the Tamarchin crossing recorded the passage of more than 8,000 foreign pilgrims, representing a 20% increase over last year. These pilgrims primarily hail from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia, entering Iran via the Bazargan border before exiting toward Iraq through Tamarchin.
In Mehran, the main overland hub for Iraqi-bound pilgrims, a major wave of returnees began on Wednesday, August 13, with long queues and continuous caravan movements creating a charged spiritual atmosphere. The crossing once again became a meeting point of millions united by their love for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Inside the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala, pilgrims expressed their devotion through the ceremonial passing of long, sanctified flags above their heads—symbolizing loyalty and a deep spiritual bond with the cause of Karbala. The shrine’s courtyards were filled with tears, prayers, and the chants of “Ya Hussein,” as the flowing line of flags moved like a river of faith through the throngs of mourners. The crowds prayed for the well-being and reappearance of the Awaited Imam al-Hujjat, may Allah hasten his blessed reappearance.
