In pictures: Shia pilgrimage

1 of 10 For the first time in 25 years, thousands of Shia Muslims converged on the shrine dedicated to Imam Hussein

2 of 10 Many were ecstatic at such new found freedom of expression

3 of 10 The conmemoration marks the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in the 7th century

4 of 10 Pilgrims beat themselves in a show of mourning and penance over the failure of their forefathers to support the Imam

5 of 10 Or flagellate themselves with chains

6 of 10 Others cut themselves with swords in an act also said to honour the suffering the Imam endured

7 of 10 Even children take part in the gory ritual

8 of 10 The women make a show of lamentation

9 of 10 Many were overcome with emotion as they entered the main gate of the holy shrine

10 of 10 Others collapsed with exhaustion and had to be passed out of the crowd