Health & Lifestyle
Saudi Arabia Hosts Massive Gathering for Annual Hajj Observance
More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims from around the world gathered at the plains of Mount Arafat on the Day of Arafat, regarded as the holiest and most significant day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Day of Arafat, considered the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, is being observed today in Saudi Arabia as more than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims assembled at the plains of Mount Arafat to offer prayers and seek forgiveness and mercy from God.
Pilgrims had begun arriving in Mina on Monday ahead of the key Hajj rituals. The gathering on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is regarded as the most important stage of the pilgrimage and is among the world’s largest annual religious congregations.
Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia said extensive arrangements have been made for more than 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage this year.
India’s Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, said the Indian Hajj Mission in Makkah is coordinating accommodation, transportation, baggage handling and medical support for Indian pilgrims in close coordination with Saudi authorities.
He added that the mission is working alongside Saudi Arabia’s ministries of Hajj and Umrah, foreign affairs, interior and health, as well as service provider companies responsible for pilgrim facilities.
India’s Hajj quota remains unchanged from last year at 1,75,025 pilgrims. Of these, 1,22,518 pilgrims are travelling through the Hajj Committee of India, while 52,507 pilgrims are travelling through private tour operators.
The Day of Arafat holds immense religious significance in Islam and marks a central ritual of Hajj, during which pilgrims spend the day in prayer, reflection and supplication before continuing the pilgrimage rites.