Iraqi pilgrims in Ras al-Bisha depart for Arba’een ceremonies (photo)

Iraqi pilgrims in Ras al-Bisha, in Basra Governorate, depart for the holy city of Karbala to attend the Arbaeen ceremonies marking the 40th day after martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Ras al-Bisheh is considered the farthest starting point within Iraq for the annual pilgrimage, with a walking distance of more than 600 kilometers to Karbala.