Iranians celebrate birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi

Millions of Iranians across the country are holding special ceremonies to celebrate the birth anniversary of the 12th and last Shia Imam, Imam Mahdi (Peace Be Upon Him).

Iranians gather inside mosques and other religious centers on Sunday to celebrate the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar.

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world hold festivities to honor the event.

Shia pilgrims from Iran and other countries are flocking to Jamkaran Mosque, near the holy Iranian city of Qom, to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

People decorate and light up streets across the country to celebrate the event.

According to Shia teachings, Imam Mahdi is the prophesied redeemer, who will revive peace, administer justice and rid the world of evil.

The occasion is a national holiday in Iran.