Tehran, IRNA – Some 2.5 million pilgrims are expected to throng Iran’s holy city of Qom on Mid-Sha'ban, which marks the birthday anniversary of Imam Mahdi (PBUH), the 12th Shia Imam, on March 8, according to a senior Iranian police official.

Brigadier General Kamal Hadianfar, who leads Iran’s Traffic Police, said on Tuesday that measures are in place to facilitate the movement of pilgrims in the city and the nearby town of Jamkaran on Mid-Sha'ban.

Hadianfar has said parking spaces and other amenities will be available for pilgrims seeking to visit Jamkaran Mosque, a sacred place which is believed to have been built upon an order by Imam Mahdi, also known as Imam Zaman.

Mid-Sha'ban is celebrated around the world as one of most important holidays of Shia Muslims.

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