Millions of pilgrims march to Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala for Ashura

KARBALA, Iraq — Millions of Muslim pilgrims are streaming into the Iraqi city of Karbala to mark Ashura, walking on foot along multiple routes leading to the shrine of Imam Hussein. The annual commemoration draws participants from across Iraq and beyond, with pilgrims traveling for days to reach the city on foot. Volunteer service groups have set up thousands of hospitality stations along the routes, offering food, water and rest areas for the walkers. Medical teams are providing health support, particularly for elderly pilgrims and families with children during the daytime heat. Security forces have deployed heavy measures at city entrances and along main roads to manage the flow of crowds. Streets along the pilgrimage routes are lined with temporary tents and rest areas accommodating the influx of visitors. Local authorities have placed hospitals and emergency services across Karbala on high alert to respond to any incidents during the peak of the commemoration.