The Arbaeen commemoration, which has been taking place since the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), has gained global attention in the past decade due to the significant increase in the number of pilgrims attending the event.
Every year, Iran's eastern border serves as a gathering place for pilgrims who make a stop in the country on their journey to Iraq. The coming together of different cultures and people from various backgrounds, year after year, can result in a beautiful fusion of ideas and traditions. This mixing and intertwining of cultures can give rise to new cultural creations and advancements. During the years when the Arbaeen rituals were constrained due to the coronavirus outbreak, numerous touching videos and mournful elegies were created by Iranian and Iraqi eulogists, as they conveyed their longing and sense of loss caused by their forced separation.
The Arbaeen Walk has given rise to a deep cultural yearning within the religious literature and eulogizing of nations. This could mark the beginning of a rich cultural connection among nations, paving the way for a lasting cultural bond. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, etc., participate in the Arbaeen of Imam Hossein.
The intermingling and coexistence of Shia pilgrims during the Arbaeen Walk can create a unique opportunity for cultural activists from different countries to come together and foster a sense of familiarity. Additionally, the various cultural groups' activities along the path further contribute to this enriching experience. As a result of this familiarity, a plethora of international and regional cultural productions have emerged, ranging from captivating documentaries and notable films to impactful critical cultural events. That's why, in spite of the numerous obstacles, countless individuals strive relentlessly each year to embark on the journey to Karbala for Arbaeen pilgrimage