Every year during Muharram, the first month in the lunar Hijri calendar, Shia Muslims around the world hold ceremonies to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his faithful companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D.
Thousands of pilgrims and people of Karbala witnessed the event, which was held after Maghrib and Isha prayers on Sunday.
A number of senior religious figures, including Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalayi, representative of grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and custodian of Imam Hussein (AS) holy shrine, and Sayyed Ala al-Musawi, head of Iraq’s Shia Awqaf Department, were present at the ceremony, the website of the Astan (custodianship) of the shrine said.
In an address, Sheikh Karbalayi said the flags symbolize self-sacrifice and Jihad on the path of God manifested by Imam Hussein (AS) uprising.
He added that Shias renew allegiance and follow the path of Imam Hussein (AS).
He further referred to the atrocities committed by Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) Takfiri terrorist group in Iraq and stressed that Iraqis are determined to continue their struggle against the terrorist until liberating all areas occupied by Daesh.