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2 clusters · 2 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq

Overview

The annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, continues to draw millions of participants to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. In early August 2026, an estimated 4,887,660 pilgrims from Iraq and various international locations, including Iran, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, arrived via foot, road, and air.

Iraqi authorities, overseen by the Prime Minister and armed forces, implemented security and service plans to manage the massive turnout. Throughout the event, volunteer caravans and local residents provided food, water, and rest areas for the travelers.

Later in the month, despite extreme heat exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit, pilgrims continued to travel long distances on foot. Observations noted a notable increase in portraits of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is regarded as a martyr in Iran following his death in February.

Entities

Karbala · Iraq · Imam Ali · Arbaeen · Imam Hussein

Timeline

  1. 17 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Karbala hosts millions for annual Arbaeen pilgrimage

    Millions of Shia Muslims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage to commemorate Imam Hussein, braving extreme heat and traveling long distances to participate in the religious event.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Arbaeen pilgrimage draws nearly 4.9 million visitors to Karbala, Iraq

    The 2026 Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, drew nearly 4.9 million pilgrims from across the region, prompting large‑scale security and volunteer support.

Sources

ksfr.org · nprinternedition.org