A group of around 40 pilgrims began their spiritual journey to Karbala in Iraq on Saturday morning, as airlines resumed operations in West Asian countries following a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran by US President Donald Trump earlier this week.
“Their prayers were answered,” said Abul Hasan Khan, director of Alico Tourism, while seeing off the pilgrims bound for Karbala, home to the holy shrines of Imam Hussain, his brother Abbas ibn Ali, and other martyrs.
The holy Islamic month of Muharram commenced on Friday. Since then, areas in south Mumbai such as Byculla, Dongri, and JJ Marg have seen large gatherings attending religious sermons, known as majlis-e-Imam Hussain. Shia Muslims observe this month in mourning, with processions held over the first 10 days—Ashura, the 10th day, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Group of pilgrims at the airport on Saturday morning.
Muharram is followed by Safar, during which hundreds of Mumbai pilgrims traditionally travel to Karbala.
Abul Hasan said, “The first batch of 40 pilgrims departed from Mumbai International Airport on the morning of June 28. I was in constant communication with Iraqi Airways, who were extremely supportive, offering clear and timely updates. I sincerely thank them for their cooperation, especially with the last-minute logistical arrangements in Iraq. This group will only visit Iraq, beginning with Najaf, where Imam Ali’s shrine is located. They’ll then perform ziyarats (pilgrimage) at other shrines and stay in Karbala for Ashura.”
He added, “Millions travel to Karbala for Ashura from around the world. Local authorities treat arrangements seriously, and generally, pilgrims do not face difficulties. My company has arranged local transport, food, and other essentials to meet basic needs.”
“Many in this group had been praying constantly since tensions erupted and the airspace was closed. Today (Saturday), emotions were evident on their faces as they finally began their journey,” Hasan said.
He continued, “After the ceasefire was announced, people started calling me and others at the company immediately. I reached out to various airlines and secured tickets for the first group departing on June 28. Visas had already been issued for these pilgrims. For others, we’ve rescheduled travel to later dates.”
Group of pilgrims at the airport on Saturday morning.
Mid-Day had earlier reported how many Mumbaikars, who had been planning their trips for months, were left heartbroken due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iraq, followed by the US strike on Iran, which led to regional travel restrictions and airspace closures across West Asia.
Also Read: Middle East war: US strikes in Iran leave Muharram tours in limbo
Mohammad Sajjadali Rizvi, 39, a business head at a prominent fashion firm and a religious poet known as Wila Hallauri, told mid-day, “I’ve visited Karbala for Ashura for the past seven years and had planned this trip well in advance. I contacted tour organisers during Ramzan (May 2025). Everything was smooth until the war started. It made me anxious, hoping every day for some resolution. For 12 days straight, I checked Google daily for news on reopened airspace and tracked developments. After the US strike in Iran, I feared the worst. Then Iran hit a US base in Qatar, and I thought all hope was lost.”
He added, “One morning, I woke up at 5 am and found a message from a friend saying Trump had declared a ceasefire. I checked international news sites and confirmed it. Then I verified whether flights from Mumbai were operating again. When the tour organiser confirmed the Ashura trip was on, I was overwhelmed. It felt like a burden had been lifted.”
Rizvi said, “I call it a miracle. Just a week ago, West Asia was in turmoil, and everything was uncertain. Suddenly, things changed, and now I’m going to Karbala for Ashura. I thank the Almighty for hearing our prayers.”
As many packed hurriedly, emotions were high. Several rushed to the airport, focused solely on clearing immigration and boarding their flight.
Wila Hallauri, a professional religious poet who is also travelling with the group.
Altaf Devjani, a 35-year-old businessman from south Mumbai, told mid-day, “Tears welled up in my eyes when the tour coordinator told me my departure for Karbala was confirmed for June 28 morning. I had been in touch with Alico Tours for a month. I’ve visited for Arbaeen for eight years, but this is my first Ashura. Everything changed rapidly because of the conflict. As a Shia Muslim, I believe one cannot reach Karbala without being invited by Imam Hussain and Abbas ibn Ali—this pilgrimage only happens with their blessing.”
He continued, “I was on a business trip in China when the tensions escalated. I was very anxious and constantly thinking whether I’d be able to go this year. I hoped the situation would stabilise—and thankfully, it did. I’m finally going.”
Altaf added, “I had planned this Ashura trip over a month ago. Some friends from Ahmedabad will join me in a day or two. We were heartbroken as the war intensified. We followed every news update. Once the ceasefire was announced, hope returned. I immediately contacted the tour coordinators and booked my spot on the Iraqi Airways flight for June 28 morning. And now, here I am, finally heading to the holy shrines in Karbala. I truly believe this journey became possible through the power of prayer.”
