TEHRAN (Tasnim) Irans Foreign Ministry on Monday hailed the enormous congregation of people in Iraqs holy city of Karbala to mark Arbaeen as a symbol of public unity.The unprecedented gathering of people from all Islamic schools of though and lovers of Ahl al-Bayt (the family of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)) in Karbala during this years Arbaeen was a symbol of spirituality as well as public unity and solidarity, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham said.
Her comments came after more than 20 million pilgrims from all over the world gathered in Karbala to attend the mourning ceremonies marking Arbaeen, the 40th day after the anniversary of martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
This years Arbaeen fell on December 13.
Elsewhere in her remarks, Afkham expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government, nation and the religious leadership for their hospitality during the mourning ceremonies and for the good planning to hold religious event.
Each year, pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located.
According to the official figures, around 1.5 million pilgrims travelled to Iraq from Iran alone.
By Tasnim News Agency
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