HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Eid Al-Ghadir, or the Feast of Al-Ghadir, named after the place where holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) declared his cousin and son-in-law Al-Imam Ali b. Abi Talib (peace be upon him) his successor on the orders of Allah by raising his hand in front of more than 120,000 hajj pilgrims, was celebrated on Tuesday 18 Dol-hijja across Iraq with deep fervor.

In Holy Najaf, hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the country descended at the holy Haidari shrine to swear allegiance to the infallible imam (peace be upon him).

Special A’maal of the day were also performed at the holy shrine.

They had converged on Najaf the day before -- many of them traveling to the holy city on foot, for Ghadir.

Thousands of women, dressed from head to toe in the billowing black folds of the abaya handed out sweets and wailed for joy on the streets.

Thousands of young men walked around the magnificent Imam Ali (peace be upon him) mausoleum which was decorated with lights, balloons and multicolored buntings marking the auspicious occasion.

"Imam Ali, we come to swear allegiance to you," chanted worshippers.

Meanwhile, special grand festive gatherings were held at the holy shrines, husseiniyaat, mosques, marajay offices and schools attended by thousands of devotees.

Speakers highlighted the significance of Eid Al-Ghadir while eulogists paid rich tributes by reciting eulogies.

Sweetmeats and candies were distributed.