Iran to Set Up 1,600 Pavilions for Providing Service for Arbaeen Pilgrims
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian authorities have given permission for the installation of more than 1,600 pavilions and congregation halls to provide food, beverage, accommodation and medical services for the pilgrims traveling to the Iraqi city of Karbala on foot for Arbaeen, an official said.
Speaking to Tasnim on Wednesday, Jamsheed Goudarzi, deputy head of an Iranian headquarters tasked with reconstruction of the holy Shiite sites in Iraq, said more than 1,600 Iranian pavilions have been given certification to offer services for the Arbaeen pilgrims.
Half of the certified pavilions would be set up inside Iran and at the border crossings with Iraq, and the others will be installed in Iraq, he added.
Each year, a huge crowd of Shiite Muslims attend the religious commemoration of Arbaeen, marking the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite imam.
The Iraqi city of Karbala hosts the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS).
During the Arbaeen event, volunteers set up thousands of congregation halls and pavilions in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala and along the road between them to offer services for the travelers and pilgrims.
The pavilions provide food, beverage and medical services for visitors. They also provide a temporary residence and accommodation. Their appropriate surfaces allows pedestrians who have been walking dozens of kilometers toward the holy city of Karbala to have a meal and beverages and to receive necessary assistance.