MALAPPURAM: The holy Hajj rituals have started with more than 20 lakh pilgrims from different parts of the world reaching Mina. Today is the important event of Hajj, the Day of Arafat. The pilgrims had reached Mina since Thursday in the vehicles provided by the Hajj agencies. Yesterday all Hajis stayed in Mina. Mina is where pilgrims spend most of their time during Hajj and witness stone-pelting and sacrificial ceremonies after Arafat.

This year, the tents in Mina have been set up in traditional Arab culture with modern amenities. This year is witnessing the highest number of pilgrims coming for Hajj after Corona. Accommodation facilities for the pilgrims have been arranged with more than two lakh tents and residential towers in Mina. Pilgrims returning from Mina will gather at Arafa today after the Fajr prayer.

Arafah meeting begins with Dhuhr prayer. Arafah meeting is also a reminder of the meeting of the Prophet and his followers during Hajj.

After the Arafa meeting, the believers will move to Muzdalifah this evening. After staying there, stones will be pelted at the devil's pillar Jamrat al-ʿAqabah. Then they will go to Masjid-al-Haram and circumambulate the Kaaba. The sacrifice will take place after the procession between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims will then retire from Hajj after cutting their hair. They will stay in tents in Mina for three more days and pelt stones at three jamrahs. With this, this year's Hajj will be completed. Indian Hajj Mission has put in place all the necessary facilities in Mina.