Imam Hussein, Al-Abbas Holy Shrines Announce Flag-Changing Ceremony to Mark Start of Mourning Season

Imam Hussein, Al-Abbas Holy Shrines Announce Flag-Changing Ceremony to Mark Start of Mourning Season
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The general secretariats of the Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas holy shrines have announced the date for the annual ceremony to replace the flags above the domes of Imam Hussein and his brother Aba al-Fadl al-Abbas, peace be upon them, with black flags, marking the beginning of the mourning season and the arrival of Muharram 1448 AH.

The flag-changing ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after the Maghrib and Isha prayers, amid a spiritual atmosphere attended by pilgrims and mourners arriving in the holy city of Karbala.

The ceremony is one of the annual rituals that draws large numbers of believers. The black flags symbolize the start of the days of grief and mourning over the tragedy of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), his family and his companions, peace be upon them, and the remembrance of the eternal Battle of Karbala.

As Muharram approaches, the holy city of Karbala is preparing to receive large numbers of pilgrims and Husseini processions through service and organizational plans implemented by the relevant authorities to ensure the proper observance of Ashura ceremonies and mourning gatherings.