Karbala (Iraq): A series of powerful blasts were reported from the Iraqi city of Karbala where 50 people are believed to have been killed due to these blasts.

More than a million Shiites were celebrating their holiest day of the year today (Mar 2, 2004) in Karabala, the holiest city of Iraq.

At least 50 bodies were seen strewn around a nearby hospital while more casualties were being brought in ambulances or private cars.

The bodies were lying in a heap in front of the entrance of the hospital. Some were decapitated or otherwise mutilated.

Karbala was packed with Shiites marking the festival of Ashura, the climax to the mourning period for the death in battle in 680 AD of Hussain, Prophet Mohammed's grandson, who is buried in the city.

Witnesses said bombs appeared to have been hidden in bags or boxes. Most exploded in the street near the shrine to Abbas, Hussain's half-brother.