HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Officials in Holy Najaf estimated that several million devotees commemorated the 2nd of the three Layali Al-Qadr (Ramadan 19, 21, 23) and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali Al-Mortaza (peace be on him) at his sacred golden-domed shrine on 21st of the holy fasting month under heavy security.

The holy city was peaceful with carefully organized city services receiving the massive influx of pilgrims from all across Iraq and neighboring countries and funneling them to the shrine.

The streets of the old city were festooned with black flags (alaem) and massive black banners inscribed with statement of Imam Ali at his martyrdom “Foztu Wa Rabbil Ka’aba (By God I have succeeded), remarks of holy Prophet (peace be on him and his pure progeny) about Ali (peace be on him) as well as words of condolence to the holy family on this sad occasion.

Big tents serving food and drink were laid out, sponsored by the city's wealthy. Tents were also erected to house devotees.

Security precautions were heavy, with all vehicular traffic banned inside the old city around the golden-domed shrine of Imam Ali (peace be on him).

Cars with special badges were employed to ferry the pilgrims into the old city.

20 thousand security men were deployed in the city.

Such commemorations were banned under the ousted dictator Saddam, but since his fall, they have blossomed into massive affairs, attracting pilgrims from all over Iraq and neighboring countries.

Devotees paid their respects, kissing the doorways and walls of the shrine itself, before making prayers and vows to the Imam.

Bazaars, educational institutions and businesses were closed to mourn the hjoly Imam (peace be upon him).