The General Secretariat of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine has announced a new proposal to organize the annual banner-raising ceremony on the first night of Muharram in a way that reduces overcrowding within the Holy Shrine. The initiative is intended to create a more serene environment for pilgrims to perform their rituals and prayers.

In a press statement, the Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, Mr. Hassan Rashid Jawad Al-Abayechi, stated:

“For over two decades, we have upheld the tradition of holding a special ceremony on the eve of the first of Muharram to raise the mourning banner atop the dome of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). This event holds great significance across the Islamic world, as Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) represents the epicenter of the great tragedy of Karbala. Each year, the ceremony draws a large number of visitors seeking to be part of this solemn occasion.”

Mr. Al-Abayechi added, “Due to the increasing crowd density inside the Holy Shrine during this event, and to ensure that visitors have ample space to carry out their devotional acts prior to the ceremony, a proposal has been made to relocate the platform used for the speech by the Legal Guardian of the Holy Shrine, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, to an area outside the Holy Shrine.”

He further explained that invitations will be extended to a select group of prominent religious and social figures to attend the ceremony at the new location. “This adjustment will help ease congestion within the Holy Shrine and allow all participants to observe the event with the spiritual focus and tranquility it deserves,” he said.