About 12 million pilgrims have been reached in Karbala, Iraq to mark Arbaeen (Chehlum) Imam Hussain (AS), one of the most important events in the Muslim religious calendar.

Arbaeen marks 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), which follows Ashura the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain(AS).

Iraqi government has formed a new cooperation room with the presence of Iraqi police, Iraqi national police, army and intelligence to provide the security for the program since ten days before Arbaeen, Shiite News Correspondent in Karbala said.

The Correspondent informed that the 12 million pilgrims have already arrived in the city for the event, the number of the pilgrims is expected to rise to 14 millions during the day of Arbaeen.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi policemen and soldiers have been deployed in and around Karbala to thwart any possible insurgent attacks during the ceremony, after two bloody attacks against pilgrims were witnessed in Iraq.

Imam Hussain(AS), the son of the first Imam Ali(AS), and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), is the third Imam of Islam.

He fought against cruelty, corruption and injustice and was martyred in the course of his heroic struggle some 14 centuries ago.

Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), who sacrificed his life along with 72 companions to save Islam and humanity, will be observed with due solemnity and reverence across the country today (Friday).
According to the Shiite News Correspondent, On the day, the mourners will take out symbolic Tazia, Zuljinnah and Taboot during the central procession of Chehlum Imam Hussain (AS) to mark the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala.
Majalis-e-Aza will also be held to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). On the other hand, all Shia Organisations, including Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) announced that the mourners will also wear symbolic coffins to express their willingness towards martyrdom, and their hatred for so-called Islamist militants who perpetrated the act of bomb blasting on Ashura in the metropolis. In the provincial capital the main procession of Arbaeen (Chehlum) will be taken out from Nishtar Park, after the central congregation hold on Nishtar Park.
The procession will march on its traditional route from Nishtar Park, Britto Road, M.A.Jinnah Road, Radio Pakistan, Jamia cloth, Boltan Market, Kharadar and will end at Hussaini Iranian.
Hundreds of thousands of mourners will accompany the procession and recite Nohas. Before processions, Ulema’s and Zakireen’s will throw light on the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) for the glory of Islam. The govt has claimed to make special security arrangements for the event.