HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: As the birth anniversary of Imam-ol Mowahideen Al-Imam Ali (a.s.) nears, arrangements to celebrate the auspicious and happy occasion have been finalized throughout the world in general and in the holy cities of Iraq in particular.

Grand spiritual festivals, galas, seminars, conferences, festive gatherings, poetry nights and feasts will be held at the beautifully decorated shrines, tombs, mosques, husseiniyaat, Islamic centers, offices of Maraje and Ayaat, and hauzaat.

Besides these religious buildings, houses, steeets and markets have also been decorated with colorful buntings, shiny ribbons, fresh fragrant flowers and multi-hued lights. Big banners, inscribed with greetings marking the blessed occasion, are also seen every where.

Imam Ali (a.s.) was born in the holy Ka’abah (house of Allah) in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Rajab 13. this year, Rajab 13 falls on 29 July in most of the countries.