Over 20 lakh pilgrims reach Hajj on the eve of Eid

Team Udayavani, Aug 31, 2017, 6:06 PM IST

Saudi Arabia: Lakhs of Muslims from over 168 countries gathered to celebrate the Eid festival.

The rites of the hajj, however, begin in Mecca, the site of Islam’s holiest place of worship. There, pilgrims circulate the cube-shaped Kaaba and kneel in prayer facing it. The Kaaba represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. 

The hajj pilgrimage is required of all Muslims once in a lifetime. The physically demanding journey tests pilgrims’ patience as they withstand long waits and thick crowds on their path to achieving spiritual purification and repentance.

Authorities have deployed more than 1,00,000 security forces to secure the hajj and assist pilgrims. Additional doctors, nurses, ambulances and mobile health centers are also deployed in the areas of hajj.