The Cultural Festival of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) in India that has succeeded in its first edition last year, expanded this year to include the Iraqi holy shrines and sacred sanctuaries ..

“With the grace of God, shining lights and perfumed whiff emitted from the pure shrine of the symbol of sacrifice and altruism, the holder of generosity and loyalty Abu Al-Fadl Abbas (peace be upon him) to be a reason for our assembly and our meeting with the well known scholars, servants of the holy shrines in Iraq, respected people of the city of Lucknow, and honourable believers, like if Aba Al-Fadl (peace be upon him) has risen again between us congratulating , leading, motivating and stimulating us to commemorate the anniversary of his father the Commander of the faithful (peace be upon him).”

This is what said Sheikh Salah Al-Karbalai, head of religious affairs in the Al-abbas's (p) holy shrine in his opening ceremony speech of the annual international cultural festival of the Commander of the faithful (peace be upon him) held in the afternoon of Tuesday 13 Rajab 1435 corresponding to 13 May 2014, and which is organised and sponsored currently by the holy shrine and hosted by Hussaynyat Imam Bara in the city of Lucknow in India for the second year in row, under the theme: "The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) The righteous of the faithful and the heir of the Prophets' science"

He added : " The General Secretariat of the Al-Abbas's (p) Holy Shrine led by the patron of cultural and Tableegh activities, the General Secretary of the Al-Abbas's (p) Holy shrine, his Eminence Sayed Ahmed As-Safi, encourages to celebrate the Festival of the birth of the Commander of the faithful ( peace be upon him ) for the second consecutive year in the city of Lucknow, Especially after its success in last year, this year's edition receives the participation of the holy shrines of Imam Ali, Imam Al-Hussayn and Imam Al-Kadhem (peace be upon them) as well as the Secretariat of the Iraqi Shiite shrines, which includes the sanctuaries of prophets, Infallible Imams' children as well as their faithful companions and followers. In addition to the scientific researches conference hosting a group of scholars and researchers from Iraq and India, besides the participation of creative artists and notable intellectuals . "

Sheikh Al-Karbalai concluded his speech saying: " we are at the same time applauding all the blessed efforts undertaken for the success of this festival, whether from the Indian government or from whoever participated in its establishment. Therefore we hope that this edition would not be the last, and so to continue next years not only in the city of Lucknow, but in other Indian states."