Millions of Muslims are flooding to the holy Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the religious ceremony of (Chelum) Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH).
Meanwhile , the deputy head of Karbala provincial council Nasim Jassem al-Khatabi expected that "over 16 million pilgrims are expected to attend the mourning ceremonies in Holy city for Arbaeen."
He further noted that this year Karbala will see the largest number of pilgrims visiting the city during Arbaeen ever.
Moreover, the Iraqi official highlighted that "the holy city is prepared to host the pilgrims and its hotels have been prepared for serving the guests."
"It is expected that 650000 of the pilgrims will be from other countries, especially Arab and Muslim states, he stated, and pointed out that "some of the pilgrims began travelling to the holy city since three weeks ago."
This comes as Iraqi authorities have heightened security measures as millions of Shia pilgrims from all over the world are gradually arriving in the holy city, 80 kilometers south of Baghdad.
Scores of people have been martyred in recent weeks across Iraq in attacks targeting pilgrims as they embark on the traditional walk to Karbala for Arbaeen commemorations.
On Monday, at least 23 people were martyred and 83 injured in a series of shootings and bombings in the north, center, and south of the country. Much of the violence targeted the pilgrims.
Last year, the Iraqi defense and interior ministries deployed 35,000 security forces to secure roads for the pilgrims.