Shia muslims arrive in Karbala for religious celebration

Описание: (7 Sep 2006) SHOTLIST
1. Iraqi Shiite Pilgrims, one of them carrying religious banner, marching on foot heading to the holy city of Karbala
2. Various of Shiite pilgrims travelling on foot
3. More Pilgrims carrying backpacks marching on foot
STORYLINE:
Thousands of Iraqi Shiite pilgrims continued their journey by foot to the holy city of Karbala , 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Baghdad on Thursday.
Tens of thousands of people are expected in Karbala, on September 8 and 9 to observe Shaaban, a mid-month religious celebration.
The pilgrims have repeatedly been attacked as they march on foot towards Karbala.
In the northeastern part of the capital on Thursday, gunmen opened fire on a procession of pilgrims, killing one person and wounding two, police said.
State television said a vehicle curfew had been imposed in Karbala from Wednesday night until the end of the celebration.
Iraqi Shiite Muslims have annually observed Shaaban, a mid-month religious celebration in which their most revered Shiite Saint Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhir was born.
Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhir was born more than 1100 years ago.
Shiite Muslims believe that he is still alive and one day he will appear and fight corruption and spread peace and welfare throughout the world.

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