homephotos Newsbuzz NewsMuslims celebrate Eid al Adha and final days of hajj in Saudi Arabia

Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha and final days of hajj in Saudi Arabia

SUMMARY

Around 2.5 million pilgrims took part in a symbolic stoning of the devil on Saturday, marking the final days of the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world. To mark the completion of the hajj, male pilgrims shave their hair and women trim theirs to represent a spiritual renewal and rebirth. Male pilgrims will also remove the white terrycloth garments worn on the hajj and return to their usual attire. The five-day hajj pilgrimage is required of all Muslims once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able to make the journey. Muslims around the world commemorate the end of hajj with Eid celebrations, including distributing meat to the poor. President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday greeted citizens on the occasion of Eid, which falls on Monday, saying the festival symbolizes love and service to humanity. In a message, the President said: "On the occasion of Idu'l Zuha, I offer my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad. (With inputs from IANS)

By AP Aug 12, 2019 7:41:43 AM IST (Updated)


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Muslim pilgrims walk to take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, and the first day of Eid al-Adha, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

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Muslim pilgrims pray after they cast stones at a pillar symbolizing the stoning of Satan, in a ritual called "Jamarat," the last rite of the annual hajj, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

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