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