“Greatest Banner” March Begins 30-Day Journey Toward Karbala

“Greatest Banner” March Begins 30-Day Journey Toward Karbala
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The annual “Greatest Banner of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him” march began on Monday from Ras al-Bisha in the far south of Basra Governorate, marking the start of a 30-day walking journey toward the holy city of Karbala.

The launch ceremony included the raising of a giant Husseini banner measuring 13 meters high and 24 meters wide, carried by a team of 20 participants. Local residents, volunteers, and official and social figures took part in the event.

The procession is held under the slogan “From the Sea to the Sacrifice,” symbolizing its departure from Iraq’s southern coastline toward Karbala.

Organizers said the march aims to renew loyalty to Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, and revive the values of his blessed uprising, including sacrifice, justice, and resistance to oppression.

Ras al-Bisha is the southernmost point in Iraq, giving the procession special symbolic significance as it reflects devotion to Imam Hussein from the country’s far south to the holy city of Karbala.

Dozens of volunteers are participating in carrying the banner and leading the procession along its route. The annual march has become one of the most prominent events ahead of the mass Arbaeen pilgrimage, reflecting popular unity and commitment to preserving Husseini rituals across Iraq.