HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: In holy Karbala, atmosphere is very
sad and heartrending; cries of Wa Husseina Wa Husseina are being heard
from every nook and corner; eyes are shedding floods of tears; Iraqi
newspapers were off on Wednesday; more than 8 million mourners,
according to official estimates, from inside and outside Iraq have
reached in the holy city up-till-now to commemorate Arba段n while
security is tight.
Millions more are expected to visit Karbala by the time
the event culminates on Thursday, Safar 20, February 28. The Arba段n
ceremonies began on Wednesday Safar 19, February 27.
"Under Saddam, those who went to Karbala were killed or had their legs
shot so they could not walk again," said Hussein Hamad, 74, one of the
pilgrims in the giant procession snaking towards the city.
Arba段n marks the 40th day after the slaying in Karbala
of Imam Hussein (AS).
Some 4,50,000 Iraqi police and soldiers have been deployed for
security.
At a tent rest stop in Hilla, on the road to Karbala, a group of
pilgrims gathered for food and some warm tea. They included children
as well as adults of all ages and even a few pilgrims in wheelchairs.
In Karbala, vast throngs of pilgrims poured into the city
heading towards the mausoleums of Hussein (AS) and his brother Abbas
(AS) in the centre.
Local residents opened their doors to welcome the pilgrims.
"I have opened mine and my brother's house to receive the
visitors. We feel honoured to provide services," said Abu Muhammed
Hussein al-Karbalai.
Talking to AFP late on Tuesday, Karbala police chief Raid
Shakir Jawdat said six million Iraqis plus around 80,000 foreign
pilgrims had visited the shrine city in past few days.
