Najaf and Karbala Ready for Massive Funeral Procession on July 8

Iraq Prepares for Martyred Leader’s Funeral: More Than Five Million People Expected in Najaf and Karbala on July 8

As the time for the funeral procession of the martyred Leader, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, draws closer in Iraq, administrative and logistical preparations have intensified.

All segments of Iraqi society are showing great enthusiasm to participate in these historic ceremonies. More than five million people are expected to attend the funeral procession in Najaf and Karbala.

Read More: Funeral Prayer for Martyred Leader Scheduled at Jamkaran Mosque in Qom

A high-level committee has been formed to organize the ceremonies. It includes representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the administrations of Najaf and Karbala provinces, the Holy Shrines, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, and other government institutions.

Lieutenant General Saad Maan, the official spokesperson for the special media committee, said during a press conference that an official reception will be held on Tuesday, July 7, in the presence of senior Iranian and Iraqi government and religious officials. The public funeral procession will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8.

He said the funeral route in Najaf will extend from Kufa Bridge to Thawrat Al-Ishreen Bridge and Sadreen Square. In Karbala, the procession will begin at Sayyid Joudah Square and proceed along Governor Road to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein and the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Abbas.

Lieutenant General Saad Maan urged citizens, religious organizations, and Hussaini processions (Mawakib) to fully comply with security measures and official guidelines.

Meanwhile, several Iraqi provinces, including Dhi Qar, Wasit, Karbala, Najaf, Basra, and Baghdad, have declared July 8 an official public holiday. Various tribal groups and Hussaini Mawakib have also announced extensive service arrangements for participants.