Huge crowds totalling more than two million people have descended on Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage
Mulism pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of MeccaMillions of Muslims have descended on the holy city of Mecca to begin a pilgrimage that sees them follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad.
Huge crowds are at the site in Saudi Arabia for the initial rites of The Hajj, which takes place every year and is meant to be a great equaliser among Muslims. Those who take part shed displays of wealth and other materialistic items, with men wearing simple cloth garments and women donning conservative dress and headscarves - with no make-up, nail polish or perfume.It is one of the largest and most diverse gatherings in the world.
Officials say more than 1.8 million people have travelled from abroad this time round, with several hundred thousand more coming from Saudi Arabia.::
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