The Hajj 2024 pilgrimage officially began on Friday as pilgrims in Saudi Arabia traveled on foot and by bus to Mina, where they will camp at one of the largest tent cities in the world.
The Mina valley, located about 5km east of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, spans 250 hectares and is covered by over 100,000 air-conditioned tents, accommodating more than 2.6 million people.
The eighth day of Dhul Al Hijjah, when pilgrims first arrive in Mina, is known as Yawm Al Tarwiyah, or the day of irrigation. This tradition involves people carrying water with them to Mina in preparation for the Day of Arafat, when pilgrims will climb Mount Arafat.
Throughout the day, pilgrims perform the welcoming tawaf by walking seven times around the Kaaba and kissing the black stone.
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