international desk:Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims have gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for the climax of the religious festival of Ashura.
According to shabestan news agency:Black flags of mourning have appeared across the city and most of the pilgrims are dressed in black.
Some pilgrims will march in the city, flagellating themselves with chains.
"I came to show my belief in Imam Hussein," said Mohammed Abdul Hussein, 40, who travelled from the neighbouring Iraqi province of Babil.
"This event has nothing to do with personal motivations or politics."
Worshippers are also set to gather in other countries with large Shia communities such as Pakistan and Bahrain.
Some pilgrims will march in the city, flagellating themselves with chains.
"I came to show my belief in Imam Hussein," said Mohammed Abdul Hussein, 40, who travelled from the neighbouring Iraqi province of Babil.
"This event has nothing to do with personal motivations or politics."
Worshippers are also set to gather in other countries with large Shia communities such as Pakistan and Bahrain.
