Millions of pilgrims gather in Irans holy city of Mashhad to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (PBUH).[/caption]Millions of pilgrims have flocked to the holy city of Mashhad northeast of Iran to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam.
Alireza Rashidian, the governor of Irans northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi, said Monday that more than three million pilgrims have already arrived in Mashhad, the capital city, to attend the Tuesday ceremonies marking Imam Rezas martyrdom anniversary.
Imam Reza was martyred after being poisoned by the Abbasid Caliph Mamun in the year 818 AD.
Rashidian said Shia pilgrims from neighboring countries including Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan Republic have also travelled to Mashhad to participate in the ceremony.
Mourners from a number of Persian Gulf Arab states have also braved Irans harsh winter to take part in the procession.
Reports say more than 80,000 mourners have travelled to the holy city on foot.
Iranians in other cities are also holding their own ceremonies in the mosques and other religious centers to commemorate the tragic occasion.
Tuesday December 23 is a national holiday in Iran over the aniversarry martyrdom of Imam Reza.
By Press TV
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