Hajj, Religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that all able adults must perform at least once in their lifetime. It centers around the Kaaba and the Sacred Mosque, where hundreds of thousands gather at the same time.
This pilgrimage traces back to the early days of Islam and has been performed by Muslims for more than 1000 years. The holy sites have been expanded and modernized over the centuries to handle the growing number of visitors.
During this pilgrimage, men wear simple white cotton garments that promote unity among Muslims and represent their state of spiritual purity. Women maintain their traditional headscarves while keeping their faces and hands uncovered.
The Saudi Arabian government issues special visas each year for pilgrims, with participant numbers strictly managed. The best time to visit follows specific dates determined by the Islamic calendar.
Despite being the largest gathering of people on earth, this pilgrimage still follows the same rituals practiced over 1000 years ago. The core ceremonies, such as circling the Kaaba, happen in the same way they did at the beginning.
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