Saudi Arabian security forces took part in a military parade in Mecca on Sunday as pilgrims around the world started to converge towards the Muslim holy city for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Over 1,600,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, according to the Saudi government. The majority of them are residing in Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, while others are staying in Medina, the ministry added.
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With all guns blazing, the parade portrayed training exercises of Saudi security forces taking on armed attackers and tackling blazing buildings. The event is annually held to reflect on the preparations to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Video: Reuters
Every able-bodied Muslim is supposed to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
The pilgrimage traditionally takes place from the eighth to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date of Hajj changes from year to year.
