Millions of people in Iran are marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

The day is particularly marked in Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad where the holy shrine of the eighth Shia Imam is located, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
Pilgrims from other Iranian cities set off on a journey on foot days ahead to make it for the holy shrine concurrent with the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS).
 
Residents of the cities on route to the holy shrine set up stands to serve the pilgrims with free food, drink and the necessary services. These stalls, known as Mukibs, are also available across Mashhad; therefore, those arriving in Mashhad are all hosted by Imam Reza who is also known as the Kind Imam.
 
At the holy shrine millions of pilgrims attended the special ceremonies held to mark the special Shia occasion. Servants of the holy shrine, among them several top officials, athletes and celebrities, performed a traditional candle lit vigil and eulogy popularly known as Khutbe Khani.
 
Among those senior officials attending this year’s ceremony were Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who chose Mashhad as the destination for his first trip after he took office earlier this month and his Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi.
 
The martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), demise anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and Imam Hassan (AS), the second Shia Imam, are all marked within the final days of the lunar Islamic month of Safar.
 
The special occasion falls on September 4 this year which is traditionally a public holiday in Iran.