SHAFAQNA – Iraqi embassy in Tehran and its consulates in three other cities will start issuing visas for Iranian Arbaeen pilgrims on September 11.
Mohsen Nezafati, an official with Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization made the announcement, adding that those willing to make the pilgrimage should register online as soon as possible.
He said visas will be issued in the cities of Tehran, Mashhad, Ahvaz and Kermanshah until the 12th or 13th day of the lunar Hijri month of Safar (November 1-2).
Arbaeen marks 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and third Shia Imam.
Each year, a huge crowd of Shias from different countries march toward Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites.
In recent years, up to 20 million pilgrims from all over the world, including Iran, took part in the mourning ceremonies in Iraqi holy cities marking Arbaeen.
This year, Arbaeen falls on Thursday, November 9.