Glass workshop offers rare view of floral preparations at Imam Reza Shrine

Visitors at Imam Reza Shrine are gaining an intimate look at the meticulous preparations for Ghadir celebrations through a newly established glass-enclosed workshop in Great Prophet Courtyard.

Astan Qods Razavi (AQR) has transformed the floral decoration process into an interactive experience for pilgrims ahead of Eid al-Ghadir.
A dedicated workshop in Great Prophet Courtyard of Imam Reza Shrine, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, now features a glass display, allowing visitors to witness the behind-the-scenes artistry required to prepare 200,000 donated flower stems.
The floral project, one of the most significant decoration initiatives following Karamat Ten-Day festivities, involves approximately 100 servant assistants from Shamim Rezvan section.
The volunteers are working in rotating shifts to craft garlands, floral crowns, and intricate decorative baskets destined for the porticos and courtyards of Imam Reza Shrine. The flowers, arriving from the city of Mahallat (central Iran), are treated as a collective vow, symbolizing the deep devotion of the community to the Ahl al-Bayt.
The introduction of the glass window has bridged the gap between the logistical efforts of service and the pilgrims themselves. Rather than merely viewing the final decorations, visitors can now observe the entire process, from the initial sorting of stems to the final assembly of complex floral structures. This transparency provides a tangible, vivid connection to the hidden efforts that sustain the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred space.
Officials noted that the initiative has garnered significant attention from those visiting the sanctuary. By opening the curtains on these traditionally private tasks, AQR has transformed routine maintenance into a communal celebration of faith. The ongoing efforts ensure that every corner of Imam Reza Shrine is adorned in a manner that reflects the profound importance of the Ghadir occasion.