Over 900 Husseini Processions Mobilised as Pilgrims March Toward Najaf, Karbala for Mid-Sha‘ban Commemorations

Over 900 Husseini Processions Mobilised as Pilgrims March Toward Najaf, Karbala for Mid-Sha‘ban Commemorations
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Iraq’s Department of Rituals, Processions and Husseini Bodies announced that more than 900 Husseini processions will take part this year in providing services to pilgrims commemorating the mid-Sha‘ban Ziyara, marking the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). The participation follows the completion of legal procedures and official approvals, coordinated with the Karbala Police Command and the legal and arrivals departments of the Directorate of the Two Holy Shrines.

The department said the processions have coordinated closely with authorities to deliver a wide range of services to pilgrims arriving from across Iraqi provinces and from abroad, amid expectations of higher turnout this year. Services include food and drinks, health care, guidance and logistical support, with organisers stressing adherence to security and organisational regulations to ensure the smooth flow of the pilgrimage and the safety of participants.

At the same time, large groups of walkers from Iraq’s southern provinces arrived on the outskirts of Najaf on Saturday to take part in the mid-Sha‘ban pilgrimage. Pilgrims said they first visit the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in Najaf before continuing on foot to Karbala to commemorate the birth of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) and to visit the Shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abal-Fazl al-Abbas (peace be upon them both).

Participants from Samawah and Nasiriyah noted that their journeys—lasting from several days to more than a week—are now undertaken in safety and freedom, contrasting current conditions with past restrictions. Karbala continues to receive vast numbers of pilgrims, underscoring the significance of mid-Sha‘ban as one of the largest annual religious gatherings alongside Muharram and Arbaeen.