Karbala (IP) - Millions of pilgrims, including a record number of Iranians, have entered the holy Iraqi city of Karbala on the night before Arba'een to commemorate the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam.

Iran Press/ Middle East: Over 20 million pilgrims from around the world have participated in this year's great walk of Arba'een, commemorating the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (Peace be Upon Him), the third Shia Imam.

Many of them have arrived in Karbala after trekking about 70 kilometers northward from the holy city of Najaf to mourn the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussein (PBUH), and his family and companions at the night before Arba'een.

More than thirteen centuries ago, Imam Hussein (PBUH) was martyred along with dozens of his companions during a last-stand battle against the tyrant of the time, Yazid I,

The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) has turned into a symbol of righteous revolution and social and political reform.

Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said on Thursday that a total of 3.5 million Iranians had entered Iraq to take part in the ceremony, 1.2 million more than the number reported last year and topping previous participation records.

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