The event, which occurs 40 days after Ashura, marks the end of a mourning period. This time’s passage was muted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Mass mobilization in Iraq 

Millions of Shiite Muslims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, on Saturday for the periodic Arbaeen passage, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, news agency Associated Press reported. 

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 3 million pilgrims had arrived in Iraq by Friday, with heightened security measures enforced to cover them, AP reported citing Tahseen Al- Khafaji, head of the Iraqi security media cell. Fears of the conflict spreading into a broader indigenous extremity have grown, particularly after the payoff of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, which heightened pressures between Israel and Iran.

The conflict in Gaza has redounded in significant loss of life, with over 40,000 people reported killed. This has led to wide commination and expressions of anguish froml Muslim communities, including both Sunni and Shiite groups.

Holy site of Iraq

Shiite pilgrims in Karbala , The Arbaeen passage, which takes place on the 20th day of Safar in the Islamic lunar timetable, attracts millions of addicts from around the world to Karbala.

They gather to pay their felicitations at the point where Imam Hussein and his half- family, Imam Abbas, were martyred. For numerous, this periodic passage is a important symbol of the Shiite community’s adaptability and concinnity in the face of centuries of challenges.

On Saturday, the megacity of Karbala was filled with religious vehemence as pilgrims gathered at the Imam Hussein Shrine, their metrical tone- flagellation echoing through the air.

Increasing fear in the people of Iraq

The Mandali border crossing in Diyala fiefdom was a major entry point, pilgrims from various countries, including Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and others. Along the 113- kilometer route from Baghdad to Karbala, volunteers handed food and drinks to sick pilgrims.

But still, this time’s passage was overshadowed by a woeful accident in central Iran, which redounded in the deaths of 28 passengers and injuries to 23 others, with 14 in critical condition.