Nearly 20 Million Pilgrims, More Than 15,000 Hussaini Processions Participate in Arbaeen Commemoration

Nearly 20 Million Pilgrims, More Than 15,000 Hussaini Processions Participate in Arbaeen Commemoration
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The Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) witnessed the participation of nearly 20 million visitors from Iraq and around the world, with more than 15,000 Hussaini processions providing religious, humanitarian, and service support throughout the pilgrimage routes. Iraqi authorities and holy shrines announced the successful implementation of extensive security and service plans to manage one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

The Holy Shrine of Imam al-Abbas (peace be upon him) announced that the final recorded number of participants in this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage reached 19,999,870 visitors, marking one of the largest annual religious gatherings worldwide.

In an official statement, the shrine said the figures represent pilgrims who arrived in the holy city of Karbala from inside Iraq and abroad to commemorate the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

Meanwhile, Karbala Governor Nassif Jassim al-Khattabi said preliminary estimates indicate that more than 22 million people entered Karbala Province during the Arbaeen season, including around five million Arab and foreign visitors from different countries.

Al-Khattabi praised the success of the security, service, and organizational plans implemented for the pilgrimage, noting that coordination between government institutions and supporting bodies helped facilitate the movement of large crowds and provide necessary services for visitors.

The Holy Shrine of Imam al-Abbas also reported that the number of registered Hussaini processions reached 15,817, including 15,594 local processions and 223 international processions. These processions provided millions of pilgrims with free meals, accommodation, medical assistance, guidance, and other essential services along the roads leading to Karbala.

Millions of pilgrims continued their journey toward Karbala from different parts of Iraq and dozens of countries, including Iran, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, and other nations. Despite high temperatures, many visitors walked long distances on foot, particularly along the famous “Ya Hussein” route between Najaf and Karbala, which extends for more than 80 kilometers and is among the main pilgrimage paths.

Thousands of service stations were established along the routes, offering food, water, rest areas, healthcare, and logistical support. The widespread volunteer efforts were described by officials as a major expression of social solidarity and hospitality associated with the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage also witnessed participation from people of various backgrounds, including members of different communities and faiths, reflecting the international and humanitarian dimensions of the event.

In parallel, the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) announced the successful completion of its Arbaeen service plan in Najaf, stating that approximately 17.5 million visitors visited the shrine of Imam Ali during the pilgrimage season from the beginning of Safar until the conclusion of Arbaeen ceremonies.