Hundreds of thousands of mourners have gathered in Iraq's holy city of Najaf as funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei entered a historic new phase, drawing one of the largest Shia gatherings in recent years. The emotional procession began after Khamenei's remains arrived in Najaf, where senior Iranian and Iraqi leaders led an official reception before the coffin was carried through the city's streets toward the revered Imam Ali Shrine. Powerful visuals from the procession showed massive crowds lining the route to pay their final respects. In recognition of the significance of the event, Iraq declared a public holiday as mourners from across the region converged on Najaf. The ceremony also forms part of Iran's six-day national farewell, with Iraq dedicating a special day of mourning to the late Iranian leader. Najaf has become the focal point of the funeral ceremonies before the procession continues to Karbala, another of Shia Islam's holiest cities. The final stage of Khamenei's journey is expected to conclude in his hometown of Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest. The funeral has also drawn attention to the continued absence of Mojtaba Khamenei from public view. WATCH