Arsalan Hashmi/ Meena

More than 850,000 pilgrims performed Tawaf al-Ifdah in Mecca by Sunday night on the day of the Hajj and the beginning of Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.

Eid al-Adha is also being celebratedwith great pomp in India.

The long day began with huge crowds of pilgrims braving the scorching heat to symbolically stone the devil in Muzdalifah. The stoning is one of the final rites of the Hajj.

This comes a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims gathered at the sacred hill known as Mount Arafat outside the holy city of Mecca to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj. Tawaf al Ifada is performed by Hajj pilgrims on their return from Mina.

Indian ambassador to Riyadh Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan with Indian pilgrims at Mina

At a press conference on Sunday night, Col...Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Talal bin Abdulmohsin al-Shalhoub said all pilgrims returned safely to their tents in Mina after departing from Muzdalifah.

He stressed that security forces continue their operations to ensure the safety of Allah'sguests during their stay in Mina, including their rituals at the Jamarat Bridge and inside the Grand Mosque. These services include crowd control and management on all routes.

“I urge all guests to strictly adhere to the instructions governing their ritual performance, including connecting tents, bridges, and their accommodation in the Grand Mosque," he said.

As we neared Mina, it marked our celebration, fulfilling the deepest desires of our hearts.#Hajj_1445H#Ease_and_Tranquili pic.twitter.com/fDIpwk2cOy

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 16, 2024

The spokesperson also advised travelers not to carry personal belongings while heading to the Jamarat Bridge or the Holy Mosque."Moreover, I urge those who intend to leave Mina on the second day of Tashreeq to adhere to the specified guidelines," he added. 

Tashreeq days are the three days following the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, and are known for the ritual ofstoning the three pillars in Mina, which symbolizes the rejection of temptation and evil.

However, pilgrims are allowed to leave Makkah before sunset on the 12th day of Zul Hijjah. According to security reports, the 911 center in the Makkah region received a total of 78,872 calls on the 10th day of Zul Hijjah.

He highlighted the close monitoring by the Saudi leadership of all security areas, noting the constant increase in their performance each year."Our security personnel serve as exemplary role models in carrying out their duties and facilitating the Haj pilgrimage for pilgrims."

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and faith posted this beautiful video of Muslims from diverse backgrounds coming together for faith during Hajj on X:

They traveled from diverse regions, all with the purpose of performing the rituals.#Hajj_1445H#Ease_and_Tranquili pic.twitter.com/aCn2K3CrY9

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 16, 2024

Earlier,the pilgrims arrived in Muzdalifa after spending the day at the Arafat plains.There, they offered Maghrib and Isha prayers. In Muzdalifa, the pilgrims collected pebbles for Rumi andthen theyleft for Mina.

After performing the main Waqf of Hajj 2024, Hajjpilgrims stayed at Muzdalifa ground on Friday night, from where they collected pebbles and reached Mina on Saturday morning. Hajj pilgrims followed Sunnah Ibrahimi by throwing pebblesat Jumra Aqaba'Big Satan'.

There is a heavy presence of security personnel on all roads leading to Jamrat Bridge to regulate the flow of pilgrims. The administration has separated the routes to and from Jamrat Bridge in Mina.

ALSO READ: Maulvi Md. Ijaj Alam says Eid sacrifice is about love, devotion, patience, faith

Security personnel are deployedon all the routes of Mina whoare not only guiding the Haj pilgrims very well but are also spraying water on them to protect them from the scorching heat. To keep the air cool, specialfountains installed on all the roads of Minahave been spraying water since morning.