KARBALA, 5 August 2026 (TON): Thousands of Shia observed the annual Chelum pilgrimage including women and children participated the mourning processions and gatherings.on Tuesday in the Iraqi city of Karbala, despite on going US-Iran war drama and escalation in the region.
Arbaeen is held 40 days after Ashoura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and members of his family, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The sectarian gatherings are supported by the US, Britain and number of European nations who provide security and share intelligence. The Iraqi government has offered free visas to Iranian, Indian, Pakistani and Afghan Arabaeen pilgrims from 19 August 20 September 2026. Iranian flags were particularly visible along the Najaf-Karbala Road.