TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD: Temporary stations from five countries in the Axis of Resistance—Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—will be set up along the route of the Ghadir 10-kilometer celebration in Tehran on Tuesday, according to Sasan Zare, the secretary of the Public Affairs Headquarters for the event.
“Citizens from these countries residing in Iran will host the people of Tehran, showcasing their traditional culture and cuisine. Additionally, inspired by Iran’s initiative, 10-kilometer celebrations will be held in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Lebanon,” Zare said.
During a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, Zare detailed the event’s timing and location. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., a total of 2,200 temporary stations will serve the public from Azadi Square in the west to the intersection of Damavand Street and Imam Ali Highway in the east, as reported by Mehr.
The stations will offer food and drinks to attendees, with some providing playgrounds for children. Flowers and cultural gifts will also be distributed among the people.
Eid al-Ghadir is a significant event for the Islamic nation, marking the day Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of the Shia, was appointed as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In 632, during the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) stopped at Ghadir Khumm and, based on a revelation from God, announced his cousin Ali (AS) as his successor and the first Imam. Following this announcement, two tents were set up: one for Muslims to congratulate the Prophet on his choice, and the other for Muslims from various tribes to pledge their allegiance to Imam Ali (AS).
According to the Holy Qur’an, this event signifies the day when God Almighty perfected Islam by introducing Imam Ali (AS) as the next leader. This is why Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated in honor of the first Shia Imam. Imam Ali (AS), the Prophet’s cousin, was the first to embrace Islam and, during his five-year rule based in Kufa, eradicated poverty and established an unprecedented justice system across the Muslim world.
“This year’s celebration in Tehran will feature a 30% increase in the number of temporary stations,” Zare added. Regarding the nationwide Ghadir celebrations, he stated, “300 cities are hosting Ghadir celebrations, covering a total of 360 kilometers nationwide.”
“We have planned the launch of 22 stations representing various ethnic groups, with live coverage from four main stages located in Azadi, Imam Hussein, Ferdowsi, and Enqelab squares,” he noted.
Zare also highlighted three special events for this year’s celebration: “We will have special lighting in 26 locations, performances by 100 flight teams, and numerous balloons decorating the city’s sky.”
Each year, approximately 3 million people participate in this grand street ceremony in Tehran. Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated annually by Shia Muslims around the world on the 18th of Dhul-Hajjah (June 25).
