Hawzah News Agency (Karbala, Iraq) - According to the website of the Astan, the Center for Studies and Researches affiliated to the Astan plans to compile an encyclopedia featuring different aspects of the participation of millions in Arbaeen pilgrimage.

It has invited scholars and researchers willing to cooperate in the documentation of various religious, cultural, historical, political and social aspects of the pilgrimage.

Researchers can announce their readiness in emails to zyarat40@gmail.com.

Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as) and his faithful companions in the 680 AD Battle of Karbala.

Each year, a huge crowd of Shias march toward Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (as) is located, to perform mourning rites.