Karbala shrine says nearly 20 million pilgrims marked Arbaeen this year

KARBALA, Iraq — The holy Abbasid Shrine in Karbala announced on Thursday that close to 20 million pilgrims took part in the Arbaeen commemoration marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein this year. Shrine officials said the 2026 pilgrimage season, corresponding to the Hijri year 1448, was completed smoothly under a comprehensive planning framework, with visitor flows managed safely throughout the period. The shrine's administration said coordination across transportation, security and health services was maintained throughout the commemoration, allowing the city to handle the heavy crowds along designated routes. Officials added that the needs of arriving pilgrims were met and that the prepared plan met its objectives. The annual Arbaeen observance draws millions of pilgrims to Karbala each year, with this year's turnout reaching levels comparable to the pace of a major pilgrimage. Shrine authorities have not released additional operational details beyond the figures and coordination summary outlined in their statement.