Hajj 2024 Begins: Rituals and Traditions of Hajj Pilgrimage
The holy rituals of Hajj 2024 have commenced, with over 2 million pilgrims from around the globe arriving in Mina. The Day of Arafat, a pivotal event in the Hajj pilgrimage, is taking place today. Pilgrims arrived in Mina on Thursday using transportation provided by Hajj agencies and spent the night there. Mina is a central location during Hajj, where pilgrims participate in the symbolic stoning of the devil and sacrificial ceremonies following the Day of Arafat.
This year, the tents in Mina reflect traditional Arab culture, equipped with modern amenities. Notably, this Hajj season has seen the highest number of pilgrims since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accommodation in Mina includes more than 200,000 tents and residential towers to house the pilgrims. After the Fajr prayer, the pilgrims will proceed to Arafa, where the Arafah meeting begins with the Dhuhr prayer, commemorating the historic gathering of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers.
Following the Arafa meeting, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah in the evening. After spending the night there, they will perform the ritual of stoning the devil at Jamrat al-ÊżAqabah. Subsequently, they will proceed to Masjid-al-Haram to circumambulate the Kaaba. The ritual sacrifice will follow the procession between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims will conclude their Hajj by cutting their hair and spending three more days in Mina, during which they will stone the three jamrahs. This will mark the completion of this year’s Hajj. The Indian Hajj Mission has ensured that all necessary facilities are in place for the pilgrims in Mina.
