TEHRAN -- The shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, Iran, is preparing for an extensive series of celebrations and services during Karamat Week, a religious period honoring the birthdays of Imam Reza (AS) and his sister, Fatima Masumeh (SA).
Speaking to the media, Reza Khorakian, a senior manager at the shrine, said that each day during Karamat Week, about 4,800 staff members and volunteer helpers will deliver services across 62 different areas to assist pilgrims.
Karamat Week falls on April 29 and May 9 this year, respectively. It is a time of pilgrimage, celebrations, and cultural events, particularly in cities like Mashhad and Qom.
Among the planned activities, Khorakian said, are daily birthday celebrations starting Tuesday. 
“On the occasion of Hazrat Masumeh’s birth, we will host ceremonies welcoming young girls to the sacred shrine, along with a special event honoring outstanding young women,” he explained.
Preparations for the week began earlier with a dusting and perfuming ceremony at Imam Reza (AS)’s mausoleum. “The shrine has been made ready to host visitors during the festivities,” Khorakian said.
One of the highlights will be the ceremonial changing of the shrine’s flag. “This event will take place on Friday, May 9, at 7:00 a.m. in the Enghelab Courtyard and will be broadcast live on domestic and international TV channels, as well as major online platforms,” Khorakian noted.
Additional daily programs will include “Elevated Pilgrimage” sessions at the Enghelab Courtyard. These gatherings will feature speeches, teachings, group recitations, and instructions on the proper etiquette of pilgrimage.
Special Qur’anic programs aimed at women and teenagers will also be held, with participation from renowned reciters and young talents.
In the cultural sector, a new book titled The Sun Up Close will be unveiled. 
“The book contains 21 travelogues selected from around 200 accounts written by non-Muslim travelers to the holy city of Mashhad over the centuries,” Khorakian said, highlighting the historical significance and continued devotion to the shrine.
Throughout the week, some 550,000 books and cultural products, especially tailored for children and teenagers, will be distributed.
Efforts to engage international visitors have also been expanded. “Daily programs in Arabic, Urdu, and Azerbaijani will be conducted for non-Iranian pilgrims,” Khorakian announced.