TEHRAN - Over 4.5 million Iranian pilgrims have been estimated to attend this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage destined for the holy city of Karbala, an official said on Monday.

In a recent interview with ILNA, the Supreme Representative of the Iranian President in the Arbaeen Committee shared details about the extensive preparations underway to accommodate the millions expected to partake in this significant religious journey.

With the pilgrimage commencing this Saturday, Iranian authorities have adopted measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the millions of Shia Muslims who will be journeying from Iran and other parts of the world to Iraq, Saeid Ohadi explained.

Ohadi emphasized that extensive efforts have been made by the Iranian Red Crescent and other responsible entities to ensure a seamless experience for all pilgrims.

“Over the last two days, we conducted a detailed inspection of the border areas used by pilgrims traveling to Iraq,” said Ohadi. “This visit focused on assessing the readiness of the Iranian Red Crescent and ensuring the services and facilities are prepared for the expected influx.”

To cater to the healthcare needs of pilgrims, the number of medical centers along the Najaf to Karbala route has been significantly increased. “Last year, we operated 17 medical centers along this path, along with four active hospitals,” Ohadi explained. “This year, we’ve expanded to 25 centers, marking a substantial improvement in our capabilities.”

The number of pilgrims expected to embark on this sacred journey has seen a significant rise compared to last year. “In the previous Arbaeen, we witnessed the participation of 4.15 million pilgrims from Iran,” Ohadi noted. “This year, we anticipate over 4.5 million pilgrims to travel to the holy sites, which is a remarkable figure.”

Ohadi urged pilgrims to rely on personal vehicles to reach the Iran-Iraq border crossings, emphasizing that transportation facilities are ready to transfer pilgrims from the parking areas to the border points.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage holds immense religious significance as it marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Last year, the event drew approximately 22.5 million pilgrims from around the globe to Karbala, underscoring its role as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

AM