TEHRAN - As millions of pilgrims embark on their annual pilgrimage to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen, the Dehloran region in Ilam province has set up an expanded sales exhibition featuring local handicrafts along the return route.

On Saturday, the provincial tourism chief Farzad Sharifi announced the inauguration of this special exhibition, adding “The sales exhibition has been designed to coincide with the pilgrims’ journey back home, offering them a unique opportunity to explore and purchase a variety of traditional handicrafts produced by local artisans.”

“This year, we have seen a 24% increase in the number of stalls compared to last year’s Arbaeen exhibition,” Sharifi said.

The exhibition features 38 local artisans showcasing a diverse array of handmade products, including Kilim carpets, woven mats, embroidered textiles, jajim (a type of traditional handwoven woolen fabric), and other local souvenirs.”

According to organizers, the initiative not only supports local craftspeople but also promotes the rich cultural heritage of Ilam province. “As pilgrims make their way back from Karbala, these stalls offer a meaningful connection to the region’s heritage, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Ilam’s cultural legacy.”

Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Each year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the globe undertake this pilgrimage to Karbala, walking hundreds of kilometers as an expression of their faith and devotion.

AM