Babil governorate declares Wednesday public holiday for Arbaeen return traffic

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Babil governorate has declared Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, a public holiday for all official government offices in the province, citing the return of pilgrims following the Arbaeen commemoration marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. In a statement, the governorate said the holiday was issued to ease the heavy volume of visitors and return convoys linked to the commemorative events in nearby Karbala. The decision applies to all government departments within the province. Offices directly involved in servicing the pilgrimage process, however, have been excluded from the holiday and will continue to operate, according to the statement. The governorate said the measure was taken to ensure that the pilgrimage concludes in a safe and orderly manner. No further details on the duration of the holiday or any accompanying security measures were immediately available.