More than 20 million people are expected to gather in Tehran for the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state television. The massive turnout could temporarily more than double the capital’s population, which currently stands at around 10 million. Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks that triggered a regional war.

Tehran authorities have implemented special traffic and accommodation measures to manage the influx and ensure security. The six-day funeral program will begin Saturday morning at Imam Khomeini Mosalla, where the public can pay respects until Sunday afternoon. The ceremony will then move to Qom, followed by rituals in Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before Khamenei’s burial in his birthplace, Mashhad, on Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine.

Analysts cited in the report say the extensive arrangements highlight Khamenei’s influence across the Shia world. Iran’s foreign minister described the events as symbolically significant. Nationwide mourning will continue for 40 days, with memorials planned through the first anniversary.