🏴 Husayni Mourning Around the World – 2026

🌐 89. Iraq:

Ashura International Foundation / Husayni Mourning News:

Among the Muharram mourning rituals in Karbala, a unique procession catches the attention of pilgrims every year. Members of the “Qanadil al-Sama” (Lanterns of the Sky) procession enter on the 13th of Muharram, the anniversary of the burial of the pure bodies of the martyrs of Karbala. One of the servants of the Husayni shrine stated, “All members of this procession enter Bayn al-Haramayn wearing completely white garments (symbolizing burial shrouds).”

“Qanadil al-Sama” has over the years become one of the most prominent mourning rituals in Karbala, and in recent years, the presence of the Holy Quran at the forefront of this caravan and the carrying of the names of the martyrs of Karbala has made this ceremony one of the most impactful manifestations of Muharram mourning in Iraq.

Each of the mourners carries on their shoulder a flag or cloth bearing the name of one of the 72 martyrs of Karbala. This procession enters from Bab al-Qibla of the shrine of Abbas (a.s.) and, after passing through Bayn al-Haramayn, arrives at the shrine of Imam Husayn (a.s.).