More than 2.1 million pilgrims have passed through the Mehran border crossing in Ilam province, western Iran, during this year's Arbaeen season, according to local authorities.
Ahad Vafaeian, governor of Ilam province, said the figure was recorded as of August 25, including both inbound and outbound movements of pilgrim caravans. The Mehran crossing is one of the main entry points for pilgrims from Iraq and other countries coming to Iran to participate in Arbaeen, which commemorates the 40th day after Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
This year's Arbaeen took place amid intense heat, prompting enhanced logistics and medical services at border crossings. The Ilam provincial government set up rest stops, distributed free drinking water, and deployed medical teams on a 24/7 basis to assist pilgrims.
Every year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the world flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala for Arbaeen, widely regarded as one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. Traffic through the Mehran crossing typically surges during peak days, requiring close coordination between border guards and the authorities of both Iran and Iraq.
