Shiite Muslim pilgrims make their way from Iraq's central holy shrine city of Najaf towards Karbala. Pics/AFP and Mohamadali Budhwani
The Arbaeen walk marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain (a.s), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred along with his companions in the Battle of Karbala in the 680 AD
The Arbaeen walk is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Pilgrims from different countries have traveled long distances, walking for days to reach Karbala
The journey is a symbol of their devotion and sacrifice. For Arbaeen 2024, as per reports so far over 30 million people from across the globe have reached Iraq to mark the Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (a.s)
The streets of Karbala are filled with people wearing black clothing, and there are many tents providing food and water for the pilgrims or zaireens of Imam Hussain (a.s). Volunteers from all over the world help ensure that the event runs smoothly, offering support and assistance to the Arbaeen walkers
Pilgrims usually flock from all around the world to honour Arbaeen on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar every year, which culminates at the spot where Hussein and his half-brother Imam Abbas were killed during the Battle of Karbala
Speaking to mid-day from Iraq, Mumbai based Mohamadali Budhwani who operates the Carvan E Hind Mokib said, "The Caravan E Hind Mokib is a 24 hours open-for-all Mokib. It spans over 5.5 acres of land. It is that huge since it serves over 15,000 people from across the world each day for 13 days"
He said, "We serve free food, water and juices for which we bring around 22 cooks and chefs from India. Air conditioned sleeping and resting areas are also there inside the Mokib for the zaireens especially those performing the Najaf to Karbala walk since the temperatures during the day is very high here"
"We have 350 volunteers from across the world who come during Arbaeen to Caravan E Hind to serve the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s)," Budhwani added
He added, "People who visit here are very thankful and it feels so good that being an Indian and all the way coming to Iraq is successfully doing his bit to be a part of one of the world's biggest gatherings and serving lakhs of pilgrims who visit from across the world here"
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