Mecca in pictures ahead of the 5-day Hajj rituals from August 8-12

Hajj which translates to 'pilgrimage' is set to start soon in the holy land of Mecca and Madina. Saudi Arabia's Jeddah will see millions of Muslim pilgrims from across borders and all walks of life.

Muslim pilgrims from across the world began arriving in the two holiest cities (in Islam) of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia since early July. The pilgrims from Philippines reaching Masjid Al Haram (Grand mosque at Makkah). (Photo | EPS)

Updated on:

11 Aug 2019, 4:23 pm

2 min read

Al-Nabi Gate - The gate of holy Al Haram mosque from where prophet Mohammad used to enter. (Photo | EPS)

Hajj pilgrims in the Al Haram mosque that surrounds the Kaaba -- the most sacred site also cited as Qibla which should be the direction that Muslims face while praying Namaz also called as Salah in Arabic. (Photo | EPS)

Haj pilgrims from Indonesia making 'Dua' (supplications) to Almighty praying before Kaaba, which is also cited as Bayt Allāh which in Arabic means 'House of God'. (Photo | EPS)

A place inside the Bayt-Allah where a funeral prayers are also held after every five obligatory. (Photo | EPS)

Pilgrims wear white Ihram (two pairs of un-stitched cloth) while on their way to perform Umrah, when each of them perform Tawaf (circumambulation - walking 7 times around Kaaba, later walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah separated by 350 metres also seven times and finally the males get their heads shaved off and females trim finger-tip length of their locks). (Photo | EPS)

Extensive cleanliness throughout the day and night maintained in and around the premises of Al Haram with huge congregation of Muslims assemble for Hajj pilgrimage. (Photo | EPS)

An office of the Governing Council of Imams (worship leaders who leads the prayers at Al-Haram). There are said to be around 11 Imams appointed by the government. (Photo | EPS)

Muslim pilgrims praying and carrying out circumambulation (doing Tawaf) seven times around sacred Kaaba in Makkah. (Photo | EPS)

Food enthusiasts get opportunities to relish popular dishes and imperial food cuisines of Saudi Arabia at Makkah Tower. (Photo | EPS)

Building of the Governing Council of Imams near Al-Haram. (Photo | EPS)

Entering the grand mosque for prayer. (Photo | EPS)

An executive chef Hakimul Islam (who hails from West Bengal in India) eulogizes the Arabian flavours mixed with the delicious taste of Indian sub-continent. He cited the occasion as equally 'festive' for the hotel industries during Hajj season. (Photo | EPS)

Pilgrims quench their thirst with holy water supplied from Zam Zam well. The waters are kept for drinking in big plastic containers placed in a row. Holy water also supplied through taps at several convenient locations as region remains hot with day's maximum temperature touching 45 degrees Celsius. (Photo | EPS)

Entry into the Mataaf (the ground area of Kaaba where Tawaf is performed) through one of the gates - King Abdul Aziz Gate.There are 99 such gates at Al Haram mosque. (Photo | EPS)