Ilam foundation readies facilities for families of martyrs at Iran's Arbaeen pilgrimage

The Ilam Province Martyr Foundation announced comprehensive preparations to host families of martyrs attending the Arbaeen pilgrimage. It plans cultural and artistic programmes, dedicated booths, and extensive accommodation facilities to ensure that the relatives of the deceased have suitable lodging throughout the province, which it describes as the gateway to the holy shrines.

At the same time, Iran and neighboring Iraq witnessed an unprecedented funeral procession for the slain leader, drawing millions of mourners to Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Karbala and finally to the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Authorities reported attendance of 4‑10 million in Mashhad alone and a total of 41‑43 million participants over several days. Senior officials and prominent clerics attended the burial, and the event was presented as a display of national unity and resilience.

Both developments reflect the massive public mobilisation surrounding the Arbaeen rituals and the political significance attached to large‑scale religious gatherings in the region.