HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Assalamo Ala’l Hussein Assalamo Ala Aulad’il Hussein Assalamo Ala Ashaab’il Hussein … more than three million Husseini mourners from across the world swarmed the shrine city of Karbala in central Iraq amid tight security marking Ashura, the tenth day of Moharram, which falls this year in Iraq on December 27 Sunday, to pay homage to unmatched sacrifice presented by Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) and his 72 faithful companions in the scorching desert of Karbala for defense of religion and protection of high human values.

Crying men and young boys in flowing white robes marched towards the holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) and Al-Abbas (AS) with blood streaming down their faces after slashing their scalps open with knives to signify their deep grief on the unjust slaughter of Al-Imam al-Hussein (AS) at the hands of Yazidi forces 13 centuries ago.

Chanting wa Husseinaa wa Husseinaa accompanied by drummers and horn players other mourners pounded on their chests.

Hundreds of thousands gathered at other holy shrines in Najaf, Kadhimiyah and Samarra.

Food was cooked on streets in giant pots for Husseini guests while stalls for hot and cold drinks were also set up on every inch of the holy city.