Thousands of Muslims marched through central London on Sunday (October 11) for the annual Arbaeen procession.

Organisers encouraged participants to wear a mask and maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, however, keeping a 2-metre distance proved difficult.

The annual gathering in London attempts to replicate the largest peaceful gathering which takes place in Iraq on Arbaeen.

The ceremonial horse proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention as it was led down Park Lane alongside Hyde Park.

As UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce new covid-19 restrictions on Monday, London hosted Arbaeen procession which is one of the biggest annual events of Shia Muslims today (11 October), Thousands of participants started the event at Marble Arch with prayers and speeches, then in a procession walked up and down the Park Lane, Despite the repeated warnings by the organisers, during crowded event social distance was rarely practiced. Metropolitan police didn't attempt to enforce rule of six or 2 meters distance either,
Arbaeen London is organised by The Hussaini Islamic Trust and it has taken place every year on the first Sunday after to Arbaeen for the last 35 years.
The event commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 as a result of the internal power struggle in Islam.
As the coronavirus cases and deaths rises, PM Johnson is expected to announce a three-tier lockdown system, He is reportedly going to reveal a plan to impose tougher restrictions on parts of England. Under the new regulations, pubs and bars could be closed in areas of northern England put into the strictest tier. Residents may be ordered not to have any social contact with anyone outside their household in any setting.