(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Every Arbaeen men, women & children of all ages walk from Najaf to Karbala to commemorate the events that took place over 1400 years ago. At any given time approximately 1million people will be walking within a 90km stretch. The walk can take between 2-3 days. Some walk with their partners, others with their families, some with bent backs and walking sticks, and some even barefoot. It is an experience that cannot be described.
Posters, messages and flags can be seen throughout the walk and people can be heard reciting duas and ayats of the Holy Quran.
A huge part of the walk are the volunteers who are every ready to assist the pilgrims – from providing tea, food, foot massages, and even bag and shoe repairs. Young children are as much involved in offering their services. They can be seen giving feet massages, serving food, and even cleaning the streets.
This year, The World Federation established an outpost (known in Arabic as a ‘mawkib’) on the Najaf to Karbala walk route. The out-post located at position number 1086, offered the following services:
• Rest and recuperation
• Overnight sleeping facilities
• Food and drink
• Medical facilities
On average, 5000 meals were served daily, and 2,500 pilgrims received medical attention at the Mawkib each day.
/149