WANA (Jun 04) – As millions of Iranians across the country marked Eid al-Ghadir on Thursday, Tehran’s “10-Kilometer Ghadir Celebration” evolved beyond a religious festival into a major display of social unity, support for Iran’s new leadership, and solidarity with the people of Lebanon.

 

Stretching from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square along one of the capital’s main thoroughfares, the event brought together hundreds of thousands of families, young people, and children in an atmosphere that blended religious observance, cultural activities, and public entertainment.

 

The 10-kilometer route was lined with community-run hospitality stations, artistic performances, choir groups, street shows, cultural competitions, and food distribution points, making it one of the largest public gatherings of the year in Iran.

 

For many international audiences unfamiliar with Shiite traditions, understanding the significance of the event requires an understanding of Ghadir itself. Shiite Muslims believe that at Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet Muhammad designated Imam Ali as his successor. As a result, Eid al-Ghadir is closely associated with the concept of guardianship and religious leadership, giving it a special place in both Shiite identity and the political culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

A woman holds an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, during a rally in support of him in Tehran, Iran June 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

This connection meant that this year’s celebration was more than a religious observance. Organizers adopted the slogan “Allegiance in Continuation of the Prophetic Mission,” and alongside commemorations for Imam Khomeini and Iran’s martyred former leader, participants were encouraged to renew their symbolic pledge of loyalty to Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the new Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

The large crowds, leadership-related imagery, and repeated references to the concept of guardianship turned the gathering into what many viewed as the first major nationwide display of public support for Iran’s new leadership.

 

Conversations with participants along the route showed that many attendees viewed the event not only as a religious celebration but also as an opportunity to express their political and social views.

 

Farnaz Samadi, one of the participants, told WANA: “This year’s Eid al-Ghadir has coincided with a pledge of allegiance to a new leader who is continuing the path of the previous leader. Perhaps for those who lacked a deep understanding of the Leader and his path, this war and this resistance have provided a new understanding and shown them the importance of standing behind the country’s leader.”

A man holds an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, during a rally in support of him in Tehran, Iran June 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Another participant, Arash Masoumi, told WANA that the gathering reflected the enduring influence of religious and revolutionary values in Iranian society.

 

“Despite all the cultural invasions over the last 35 years, and despite many manifestations of irreligion that are openly visible in society today, the vast majority of the people—even those who outwardly appear Westernized—are still interested in establishing God’s government on earth. They are against America, against Israel, against their way of life, and against the oppression they commit,” he said.

 

Asked about the possibility of another war involving Iran, Masoumi added: “Given the accumulation of American military equipment and Israel’s breach of commitments in Lebanon, it is possible that they may attack Iran again.”

 

Another attendee, Ms. Godarzi, told WANA: “Today, on Eid al-Ghadir, people have come to say that they stand beside Imam Khamenei (Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei), and whatever he commands, we will follow his judgment and obey.”

A woman holds a Hezbollah flag during a rally in support of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran June 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) 

Speaking about the possibility of renewed conflict, she added: “In fact, we are prepared for this war to continue until the matter is settled—that is, until America and its bases in the region pack up and leave, because I believe they no longer have a place in this region.”

 

For some participants, the message of the gathering was even more direct. Mr. Rezaee told WANA: “We are avengers of the Leader’s blood, and this is the message of our pledge to the Leader and his rightful son, Mr. Seyed Mojtaba Imam Khamenei. Our message is that we seek justice for the Leader, and we will not abandon that cause.”

 

The event also carried a regional message. Organizers announced that solidarity with the people of Lebanon, who have recently come under Israeli attacks, would be one of the central themes of this year’s celebration. Throughout the route, programs and displays expressed support for the Lebanese people and condemned Israeli military actions, highlighting how regional issues are reflected in major public events in Iran.

 

What distinguished this year’s celebration from many similar gatherings, however, was the unprecedented scale of its family-oriented entertainment. Organizers described the event as hosting the world’s largest temporary street amusement park, featuring dozens of giant inflatable castles, massive ball pits, large slides, Ferris wheels, children’s play zones, and hundreds of cultural and entertainment booths.

A banner with a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on a building during a rally in support of him in Tehran, Iran June 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

According to published estimates, the temporary amusement park covers approximately 30 hectares (74 acres), placing it within the size range of several internationally recognized theme parks. Organizers noted that the entertainment route is more than six times longer than the main street of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida and is capable of accommodating millions of visitors in a single day.

 

More than 2,500 cultural, artistic, and service booths were set up along the route, while dozens of major and secondary stages hosted performances and public programs. In addition, 20,000 large community food cauldrons were prepared across Iran to mark Eid al-Ghadir. Organizers also stated that similar celebrations were being held in approximately 1,000 Iranian cities and in eight other countries, reflecting the growing international reach of the event.

 

The 2026 Ghadir Celebration can be seen as a unique combination of religious observance, family entertainment, cultural expression, and political symbolism. Millions of Iranians not only celebrated one of the most important holidays in Shia Islam, but also publicly demonstrated support for the country’s new leadership and expressed solidarity with Iran’s regional allies.

 

In this sense, the event was more than a religious festival—it became a powerful symbol of social cohesion, political continuity, and national unity at a pivotal moment in contemporary Iranian history.