MAKKAH: The annual pilgrimage of Hajj has officially begun in Saudi Arabia, with millions of pilgrims starting to arrive in the tent city of Mina as the first major stage of the sacred journey gets underway.
The movement of pilgrims to Mina began earlier today and is expected to continue until the afternoon. Worshippers will spend the night in Mina before proceeding on Tuesday, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, to the plain of Arafat for the most important ritual of Hajj, known as Wuquf-e-Arafat.
Saudi meteorological authorities have warned that extreme heat is expected during the Hajj season, with temperatures in Makkah potentially rising up to 47°C by May 25.
Officials have also cautioned that humidity levels may reach around 40 percent, while dusty winds are likely in open areas, increasing discomfort for pilgrims performing rituals outdoors.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly follow guidelines, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses during the intense weather conditions.
Health and safety instructions have been widely communicated, with officials emphasizing the importance of drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and adhering to crowd management protocols.
According to Saudi officials, more than 1.518 million pilgrims from around the world had arrived by Friday afternoon. Of these, over 1.457 million entered the Kingdom via air travel, highlighting the scale of global participation in this year’s Hajj.
To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims and ensure safety, Saudi authorities have significantly enhanced facilities at the holy sites. These include expanded shaded areas, misting fans, and increased medical support services across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Authorities have also deployed additional security and crowd management personnel to ensure smooth movement and prevent overcrowding during the critical stages of Hajj.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, drawing Muslims from across continents. It represents a deeply spiritual journey involving a series of rituals performed over several days in and around Makkah.
Officials continue to stress discipline and adherence to instructions as millions of pilgrims begin the sacred journey under challenging weather conditions.
