AhlulBayt News Agency: With the arrival of the lunar month of Muharram on Friday, June 27, the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf, Iraq, has witnessed a large and reverent influx of pilgrims marking the beginning of the mourning season.
The Astan, or custodianship, of the shrine has rolled out an extensive operational plan to manage the mourning ceremonies that traditionally take place during the first ten days of Muharram.
Haidar al-Isawi, an Astan official, explained that the plan includes structured arrangements to welcome pilgrims and mourning delegations both within the courtyards of the shrine and its surrounding areas. Special attention is being given to organizing ritual processions and the renowned torch-carrying ceremonies that are held in proximity to the mausoleum.
According to IQNA, in coordination with local service providers in the old neighborhoods of Najaf, the Astan has made logistical provisions such as the distribution of drinking water, ice, cooling units, sanitation tools, and food services throughout the ten-day mourning period.
Another Astan representative, Jafar al-Badiri, stated that the plan encompasses ceremonial, security, and logistical coordination—including the solemn flag-raising event that traditionally marks the onset of mourning—as well as the regulation of mourning convoys entering the shrine’s sacred grounds.
He added that multiple coordination meetings have been held with representatives of mourning groups to streamline movement and ensure a smooth flow of participants. Preparations are also in place for the symbolic torch-bearing ceremonies scheduled for the evenings of the 8th, 9th, and 10th nights of Muharram.
Each year, Shia Muslims and others across the globe commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam, who, along with his family and companions, was martyred on the 10th of Muharram—Ashura—in 680 AD during the Battle of Karbala.
This year, Ashura will be observed on Sunday, July 6.
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