Generous vibes of Ramadan in Karbala - in pictures

At night, Karbala is illuminated by colourful lights and decorations. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National
At night, Karbala is illuminated by colourful lights and decorations. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Women recite prayers at Imam Hussein Shrine
Women recite prayers at Imam Hussein Shrine
Volunteers prepare iftar meals
Volunteers prepare iftar meals
Food being made for the breaking of the day's fast at sunset
Food being made for the breaking of the day's fast at sunset
Volunteers inside an annexe of the Imam Hussein Shrine prepare iftar meals
Volunteers inside an annexe of the Imam Hussein Shrine prepare iftar meals
The city has a festive and welcoming atmosphere
The city has a festive and welcoming atmosphere
The city is host to the gold-domed shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Imam Abbas
The city is host to the gold-domed shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Imam Abbas
The Quran is recited
The Quran is recited
The holy recitals are part of educational programmes inside the ornately decorated shrines
The holy recitals are part of educational programmes inside the ornately decorated shrines
The mausoleum of Imam Hussein
The mausoleum of Imam Hussein
Inside Mudhif Imam Hussein, which was established in 2006 to offer free meals for pilgrims, volunteers and staff at the city's shrines
Inside Mudhif Imam Hussein, which was established in 2006 to offer free meals for pilgrims, volunteers and staff at the city's shrines
Mudhif means guesthouse in Arabic
Mudhif means guesthouse in Arabic
A stall offers free tea and water for pilgrims
A stall offers free tea and water for pilgrims
Karbala attracts many worshippers during Ramadan
Karbala attracts many worshippers during Ramadan
All ages are welcome
All ages are welcome
Visitors say Karbala offers a chance to catch up with friends during holy month
Visitors say Karbala offers a chance to catch up with friends during holy month
Iftar meals are served in a sacred area between the two famous shrines
Iftar meals are served in a sacred area between the two famous shrines
Karbala comes to life at night during Ramadan
Karbala comes to life at night during Ramadan
The iftar gathering
The iftar gathering