Over 1.6 Million Pilgrims Converge on Mecca as Annual Haj Gets Underway

The world's largest annual Islamic pilgrimage has commenced as more than 1.6 million Muslims gathered in Mecca this week to undertake the sacred five-day spiritual journey. The movement began on Monday with pilgrims transitioning from Mecca to the tent settlement of Mina, marking the initial phase of the sacred rite.

Approximately 1.75 lakh devotees from India are among those participating in this year's observance. Saudi authorities confirmed that over 1.5 million international pilgrims had arrived before the formal ceremonies commenced. Despite geopolitical tensions affecting the region, this year's international participation surpassed the previous year's numbers, officials noted.

The pilgrimage unfolds during the Islamic month of Zil Hajj and represents one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. For Muslims with the means and physical capacity, performing Haj once in a lifetime constitutes a religious obligation.

The ceremonial journey spans five distinct days, each with specific rituals and spiritual significance. On the opening day, known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah, participants enter the sacred state of Ihram and proceed to Mina, where they don white garments symbolising spiritual purity and universal equality. They will remain overnight before advancing to the plains of Arafat on Tuesday.

The second day, designated as the Day of Arafah, holds paramount importance within the Haj framework. Pilgrims congregate at the Arafat plains to seek divine forgiveness and engage in intensive prayer. Following sunset, they journey to Muzdalifah for the night.

The third day coincides with Eid al-Adha celebrations within Saudi Arabia. Returning to Mina, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning ceremony at Jamrat al-Aqaba and participate in animal sacrifice rituals commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to God. Subsequently, they return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to execute Tawaf al-Ifadah, circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.

Throughout the fourth and fifth days, pilgrims remain stationed in Mina, repeating the stoning ritual at all three Jamarat pillars. Before departing Mecca, they conduct a final circumambulation known as the farewell Tawaf.

The observance occurs amid improved regional circumstances, with a ceasefire connected to recent Iran-related tensions providing relative stability. Earlier this year, Middle Eastern tensions had disrupted aviation services and inflated travel expenses for those making the journey.

Saudi Arabia will mark Eid al-Adha on May 27, while Indian Muslims are anticipated to observe the festival on May 28.