China: Playful Panda Delights Visitors With Somersaults in Guangzhou Zoo

On September 28, 2025, a giant panda named Ya Yi entertained visitors at a zoo in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, with a playful routine. The panda rolled across the floor, performed a somersault, and then hid inside her wooden hut. Visitors laughed and cheered as they filmed the moment. Zoo staff said Ya Yi occasionally shows such playful behavior during enrichment time. The clip drew online reactions likening her to “Kung Fu Panda,” highlighting once again why pandas remain one of China’s most beloved national symbols.

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

Tarique Rahman Visits The Graves National Symbols - Dhaka

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visits the grave of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Later, he pays homage at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 27, 2025. Tarique Rahman first lays flowers at the grave of Osman Hadi and offers prayers. He then lays flowers and offers prayers at the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photo by Habibur Rahman/ABACAPRESS.COM

White House Christmas Design - Washington

White House Christmas Design - Washington

The White House during Christmas design and decoration media tour in Washington on December 1, 2025. The East Room highlights the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, showcasing the patriotic colors of our flag and some of our national symbols in collaboration with America250. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

White House Christmas Design - Washington

White House Christmas Design - Washington

The White House during Christmas design and decoration media tour in Washington on December 1, 2025. The East Room highlights the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, showcasing the patriotic colors of our flag and some of our national symbols in collaboration with America250. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

White House Christmas Design - Washington

White House Christmas Design - Washington

The White House during Christmas design and decoration media tour in Washington on December 1, 2025. The East Room highlights the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, showcasing the patriotic colors of our flag and some of our national symbols in collaboration with America250. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

A woman hold a french flag and wears a collar with religious symbols (Judaism, Christianity and Muslim) look at the 13th november memorial ceremony on a giant screen near a makeshift memorial at the Place de la Republique in Paris on November 13, 2025, during the anniversary marking a decade since the terror attacks of November 13, 2015 in which 130 civilians were killed. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

A woman hold a french flag and wears a collar with religious symbols (Judaism, Christianity and Muslim) look at the 13th november memorial ceremony on a giant screen near a makeshift memorial at the Place de la Republique in Paris on November 13, 2025, during the anniversary marking a decade since the terror attacks of November 13, 2015 in which 130 civilians were killed. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

A woman hold a french flag and wears a collar with religious symbols (Judaism, Christianity and Muslim) look at the 13th november memorial ceremony on a giant screen near a makeshift memorial at the Place de la Republique in Paris on November 13, 2025, during the anniversary marking a decade since the terror attacks of November 13, 2015 in which 130 civilians were killed. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

13 november memorial at the Place de la Republique - Paris

A woman hold a french flag and wears a collar with religious symbols (Judaism, Christianity and Muslim) look at the 13th november memorial ceremony on a giant screen near a makeshift memorial at the Place de la Republique in Paris on November 13, 2025, during the anniversary marking a decade since the terror attacks of November 13, 2015 in which 130 civilians were killed. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A Kashmiri Shiite man carries a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025, the eighth day of the Islamic holy month. Part of the 10-day Ashura mourning period, the event commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Dressed in black, participants engage in chest-beating and recite elegies as expressions of grief and solidarity. The inclusion of political symbols like the Palestinian flag reflects the intersection of religious devotion and political sentiment in a region marked by heightened sensitivities and security measures. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan: Far-Right Sanseito Draws Large Crowd at Final Rally, Surges in Upper House Election 3

On July 19, the night before Japan’s Upper House election, opposition party Sanseito held its final rally at Tokyo’s Shiba Park, attracting a crowd of over 10,000. While Japanese flags waved in support, counter-protesters also gathered, holding placards that read “No to Discrimination” and waving flags with crossed-out Japanese symbols. The populist far-right party, which previously held just one seat in the 248-member House of Councillors, made major gains by campaigning under the slogan “Japanese First,” winning 14 seats and emerging as one of the election’s biggest winners.

Japan: Far-Right Sanseito Draws Large Crowd at Final Rally, Surges in Upper House Election 2

On July 19, the night before Japan’s Upper House election, opposition party Sanseito held its final rally at Tokyo’s Shiba Park, attracting a crowd of over 10,000. While Japanese flags waved in support, counter-protesters also gathered, holding placards that read “No to Discrimination” and waving flags with crossed-out Japanese symbols. The populist far-right party, which previously held just one seat in the 248-member House of Councillors, made major gains by campaigning under the slogan “Japanese First,” winning 14 seats and emerging as one of the election’s biggest winners.

Japan: Far-Right Sanseito Draws Large Crowd at Final Rally, Surges in Upper House Election

On July 19, the night before Japan’s Upper House election, opposition party Sanseito held its final rally at Tokyo’s Shiba Park, attracting a crowd of over 10,000. While Japanese flags waved in support, counter-protesters also gathered, holding placards that read “No to Discrimination” and waving flags with crossed-out Japanese symbols. The populist far-right party, which previously held just one seat in the 248-member House of Councillors, made major gains by campaigning under the slogan “Japanese First,” winning 14 seats and emerging as one of the election’s biggest winners.

Ambubachi Festival - India

Ambubachi Festival - India

A Hindu woman draws sacred swastika symbols with vermillion during Ambubachi festival rituals at a temple in Agartala, India on June 25, 2025. The ancient geometric motif, central to the fertility celebrations marking Goddess Sakti’s menstrual cycle, adorns temple walls as devotees observe the Ashada month (June-July) traditions. Photo by Abhisek Saha/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ambubachi Festival - India

Ambubachi Festival - India

A Hindu woman draws sacred swastika symbols with vermillion during Ambubachi festival rituals at a temple in Agartala, India on June 25, 2025. The ancient geometric motif, central to the fertility celebrations marking Goddess Sakti’s menstrual cycle, adorns temple walls as devotees observe the Ashada month (June-July) traditions. Photo by Abhisek Saha/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ambubachi Festival - India

Ambubachi Festival - India

Hindu women draw sacred swastika symbols with vermillion during Ambubachi festival rituals at a temple in Agartala, India on June 25, 2025. The ancient geometric motif, central to the fertility celebrations marking Goddess Sakti’s menstrual cycle, adorns temple walls as devotees observe the Ashada month (June-July) traditions. Photo by Abhisek Saha/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ambubachi Festival - India

Ambubachi Festival - India

Hindu women draw sacred swastika symbols with vermillion during Ambubachi festival rituals at a temple in Agartala, India on June 25, 2025. The ancient geometric motif, central to the fertility celebrations marking Goddess Sakti’s menstrual cycle, adorns temple walls as devotees observe the Ashada month (June-July) traditions. Photo by Abhisek Saha/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclusive - Illustration - The Cathedral of Notre Dame - Paris

Exclusive - Illustration - The Cathedral of Notre Dame - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL. AT THE CROSSING OF THE TRANSEPT, THE BASE OF THE SPIRE RECREATED BY VIOLLET LE DUC IN THE 19TH CENTURY AND DECORATED WITH TWELVE COPPER STATUES OF THE APOSTLES - ALTITUDE 60 M (ARCHIVE PHOTO TAKEN BEFORE THE VIOLENT FIRE OF 15 APRIL 2019, WHICH RAVAGED THE CATHEDRAL'S ROOF STRUCTURE AND DURING WHICH THE SPIRE, ONE OF THE SYMBOLS OF PARIS AT 93 M HIGH, COLLAPSED). Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Loire Valley

Illustration - Loire Valley

FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY - LOIR ET CHER (41) - CASTLE OF CHAMBORD - WEST TERRACE : DETAIL OF THE CENTRAL LANTERN. THE ROYAL SYMBOLS ARE LEGIONS: INITIALS OF FRANCOIS 1ST, CROWNED SALAMANDER, EMANATED CANDELABRA, FLEURS DE LYS, ETC. THE YARD SPENT MOST OF ITS TIME ON THE TERRACES. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Paris 2024

Illustration - Paris 2024

FRANCE. PARIS (75) 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT. FOR THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, THE EIFFEL TOWER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO BEAR THE OLYMPIC RINGS. ON THE MORNING OF 7 JUNE 2024, 49 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, THE CITY OF PARIS WOKE UP TO A BIG SURPRISE: THE OLYMPIC RINGS WERE INSTALLED ON THE EIFFEL TOWER BETWEEN ITS 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS! KNOWN AS THE ?SPECTACULARS?, THESE FIVE GIANT RINGS, POWERFUL SYMBOLS OF OLYMPISM, ARE INSTALLED AT EACH OLYMPIAD IN A LOCATION OR ON AN EMBLEMATIC BUILDING IN THE HOST CITY. Photo by Jean-Francois/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM