Karbala marks 26th edition of annual Candle Festival in lead up to 15th of Shaban

Karbala marks 26th edition of annual Candle Festival in lead up to 15th of Shaban
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Karbala marked the launch of the 26th edition of its annual Candle Festival on Sunday evening, coinciding with the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), according to local organizers.

The event took place on the 12th day of the holy month of Sha’ban near the Qibla Gate of the shrine of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (peace be upon him) in the holy city of Karbala. It was attended by officials from the holy shrines as well as large crowds of pilgrims and visitors.

Held this year under the theme “Al-Mahdi: A Promise That Will Not Be Broken,” the festival featured the lighting of 1,192 candles, symbolizing the years traditionally associated with the age of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). The candles were arranged artistically to form a phrase that changes annually. This year’s display spelled out the words: “And the earth shone with his light.”

The festival program included a range of cultural and religious activities, such as poetic recitations and chanting performances expressing devotion to Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The Candle Festival has been observed as an annual religious tradition since 2001, initiated by pilgrim Miqdad Karim Hadi from the city of Al-Suwaira in Wasit province. Over time, the event expanded and came under the supervision of the Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas holy shrines, evolving into a large public festival. Due to heavy crowds during the mid-Sha’ban celebrations, organizers scheduled the festival ahead of the night of the 14th of Sha’ban to ensure safety and accessibility.