The custodian of Imam Ali shrine announced that the Alavi flag will be raised in forty different places across the Arab county and also 12 European countries to celebrate the Eid al-Ghadir which marks the imamate of the first Shia Imam.

Ahmed al-Qureishi, an official with the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) said various programs and activities are planned to be organized at the local, national and international levels to celebrate the occasion.

He noted that the Astan will hold celebrations in Iraq as well as 12 other countries.

According to Haidar Rahim, another official with the holy shrine of the first Shia Imam, the flag of Imam Ali (AS) holy shrine will be raised in 40 places in Iraq and other countries, including in 12 European states.

He said the holy mausoleum of Imam Ali (AS) will host various programs including Quranic circles, literary festivals, scholarly forums and art activities in the week leading to Eid al-Ghadir.

Earlier this year, Iraq’s parliament declared Eid al-Ghadir a public holiday in the Arab country.

The event of Ghadir, or Eid al-Ghadir, which falls on Tuesday, June 25 this year, is celebrated by Shia Muslims around the world every year. It is among important feasts and happy holidays of Shia Muslims held on the 18th day of Dhul Hijjah in the lunar Hijri calendar.

It was the day when the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his caliph and the Imam after himself following an order from God.