Imam Reza shrine in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad was transformed into a scene of joy and devotion on the night of Imam Javad's (the 10th Shia Imam) birth anniversary.
Pilgrims and devotees gathered to celebrate and express their love for the Ahlul Bayt. The festivities included the decoration of the shrine with flowers, colorful flags, and illuminations.
As night fell, the flower shower ceremony commenced from Shohada Square, where large crowds of devotees holding flowers made their way towards Imam Reza shrine. The procession was led by colorful flags bearing the names of Imam Javad and Imam Reza. Devotees prayed and chanted in unison, seeking blessings and best wishes from Imam Reza.
Upon entering the shrine, the faithful expressed their joy with chants of ‘Imam Reza’ and ‘Welcome, O’, Imam Javad’. The ceremony continued in Imam Khomeini Portico with recitations and poems by poets and eulogists praising Imam Javad.
Additionally, the shrine was adorned with special illuminations and decorative inscriptions. More than 800 workers from the electric lighting department participated in the beautification efforts. The central courtyards, columns of Prophet Muhammad Courtyard, and other areas were lit up with 40,000 colorful lights. Special inscriptions were placed above the entrances of the Enghelab Eslami and Azadi courtyards.
The celebrations also included speeches by Hoj. Seyed Mehdi Vaez Mousavi, who spoke about the characteristics of faithful men from an Islamic perspective.
The ceremony came to an end with recitations of eulogies and poetry, enriching the shrine’s spiritual atmosphere.