TEHRAN- The Iranian Road Maintenance & Transportation Organization has reported that between August 6 and August 17, a total of 2,055,396 pilgrims crossed Iran’s borders to participate in this year’s Arbaeen Walk in Iraq.

According to the organization, 94 percent of the pilgrims who entered Iraq by the end of August 17 came from Iran, utilizing the five designated Arbaeen border crossings: Mehran, Shalamcheh, Chazabeh, Khosravi, and Tamarchin, while the remaining 6 percent were from other nations.

Additionally, the organization indicated that approximately 614,990 pilgrims have returned from Iraq following the pilgrimage.

Earlier, Ahmad-Reza Radan, the commander-in-chief of Iranian Police, highlighted that the collaborative efforts and support from the police forces of both countries have led to a decrease in wait times at border crossings, enhanced security along travel routes, particularly in Iraq, facilitated the smooth movement of pilgrims, and improved overall travel safety.

During the Arbaeen Walk, 52 percent of Iranian pilgrims utilized the Mehran border crossing, with Shalamcheh accounting for 25 percent, Khosravi for 14 percent, Chazabeh for 7 percent, and both Tamarchin and Bashmaq for 1 percent each.

It is noteworthy that the provinces of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Fars have contributed the largest numbers of pilgrims, respectively.

Non-Iranian pilgrims have also opted for the Shalamcheh, Bashmaq, Tamerchin, Mehran, Chazabeh, and Khosravi borders on their return journeys.

The Arbaeen Walk is a significant annual pilgrimage in Shia Islam, commemorating the 40 days following the martyrdom anniversary of Husayn ibn Ali, the third Imam of the Shia. This event takes place 40 days after Ashura, the day Imam Husayn was martyred during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Each year, millions of pilgrims, often exceeding 20 million, undertake this journey, which spans approximately 80 kilometers (around 50 miles) from Najaf to Karbala in Iraq. The walk serves as a profound expression of their commitment to the principles upheld by Imam Husayn, such as justice and resistance against oppression.

This year, it is expected that around five million pilgrims will take part in the Arbaeen procession.