Pilgrimage to the holy cities of Iraq will continue in the month of Ramadan (starts June 18) given that Umrah flights to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia are currently suspended, said head of Iranian Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Saeed Ouhad.

�Pilgrimages used to stop during the holy month of Ramadan; however, since the Umrah flights are suspended this year and there is a 25% increase in the number of people eager to visit the holy shrines in Iraq, the trips will continue,� he said, ILNA reported.

This is the first time that pilgrimage is taking place in the fasting month of Ramadan. A 21-day journey to Karbala and Najaf is planned for pilgrims. The travel costs are estimated to be $610 per person.

By Financial Tribune