TEHRAN-Temporary stations from five countries in the Axis of Resistance, including Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will be set up along the path of the Ghadir 10-kilometer celebration party in Tehran on Tuesday, Sasan Zare, the secretary of the Public Affairs Headquarters for the event said.

“Citizens from these countries in Iran will be hosting the people of Tehran with their traditional culture and cuisine. Additionally, in five countries namely, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Lebanon, 10-kilometer celebrations will be held, inspired by Iran’s initiative,” he added.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, Zare explained the precise time and location of the event, stating that from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., a total of 2,200 temporary stations will be serving the public from Azadi Square in the west to the intersection of Damavand Street and Imam Ali Highway in the east, Mehr reported him as saying.

The stations will offer food and drinks to attendees. Some of the stations will provide children with playgrounds. Flowers and cultural gifts will be also distributed among the people.

Eid al-Ghadir is a source of unity for the Islamic nation. The event is the day on which Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of the Shia, was appointed as successor to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

On the way back home from Hajj in 632, which is known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) asked for a stop in a region called Ghadir Khumm, where in his sermon, he announced his cousin Ali (AS) as his successor and first Imam based on a revelation from God.

Afterward, two tents were pitched, in one of which Muslims congratulated the Prophet (PBUH) for his excellent choice and, in the other one, Muslims from all tribes gave their allegiance to Imam Ali (AS).

According to the Holy Qur'an, this is the day when God Almighty perfected Islam as the religion by introducing Imam Ali (AS) as the next leader. That is why it is celebrated in honor of the first Shia Imam. 

Imam Ali (AS) was the cousin of the Prophet (PBUH) and is known as the first man to embrace the Prophet's call for Islam. According to Islamic sources, the Imam rooted out poverty and promoted an unprecedented justice system across the Muslim world during his 5-year rule based in the Iraqi city of Kufa.

“In this year’s celebration, the temporary stations in Tehran have increased by 30%,” Zare added. Regarding the number of Ghadir celebrations held across the country, he said: “300 cities are hosting Ghadir celebrations, totaling 360 kilometers of celebrations nationwide”.

“We have planned the launch of 22 stations representing various ethnic groups. We will have live coverage in four main stages located in Azadi, Imam Hussein, Ferdowsi, and Enqelab squares,” he noted.

He highlighted three special events for this year’s celebration and said: “We will have special lighting in 26 locations, 100 flight teams will perform, and numerous balloons will decorate the city’s sky”.

According to estimates, every year about 3 million people participate in this glorious street ceremony in Tehran.

Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated annually around the world by Shia Muslims on the 18th of Dhul-Hajjah (June 25).

SS/