01 May 2018 | 03:38 PM UTC
Iraq: Shaabaniya festival celebrations in Karbala May 1-2
Shi’a festival of Shaabaniya observed in Karbala May 1-2; roads leading to Karbala, Najaf, and Hillah to be congested in the coming hours
Event
The Shi'a festival of Shabaaniya will be observed from the evening of Tuesday, May 1 (local time), through Wednesday, May 2. Associated celebrations in Karbala will be focused around the Imam Hussein Shrine. The celebrations are expected to prompt transportation disruptions; major roads leading to Karbala, Najaf, and Hillah are expected to be congested in the coming hours. Increased security measures are also anticipated in the area.
Context
The Shabaaniya festival, annually observed on the night of the 14th day and 15th day of the month of Shabaan (Laylat Al-Bara'at; Nisf Al-Shabaan), celebrates the birth of Mohammad al-Mahdi ("the Hidden Imam"), the 12th and last imam in Twelver Shi'a Islam. Twelver Shi'a Muslims believe he disappeared in the 9th century CE and is the savior of humankind (Al-Mahdi) who will return to Earth with Jesus Christ (Isa ibn-Maryam) to defeat Al-Masih Al-Dajjal ("the False Messiah") in the end times.
Advice
Individuals in Karbala are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
