Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), May 28 (HS): Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca will commence on June 4. The date was confirmed following the moon sighting for Bakrid, as reported by the Saudi Space Observatory. This announcement comes as millions prepare for one of Islam’s most significant events. Hajj Minister Taufiq Al-Rabiah stated that over 1 million pilgrims have already arrived from various countries, with last year’s participation totaling 1.8 million. Information Minister Al-Dosari noted that the current number of incoming pilgrims stands at 1,070,000.

Moreover, over 25,000 mosques have been prepared in Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites, with approximately 2.5 million copies of the Holy Quran distributed. Notably, female pilgrims represent 53% of the total. To enhance safety, over 50,000 medical personnel are deployed, and a new 200-bed emergency hospital has been established in Mina.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar