Navigating Challenges and Change: Inside This Year's Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca presents unique challenges this year, with extreme heat, a ban on children under 12, and rising costs. Measures include safety kits, flexible payment systems, and visa restrictions to manage demand and ensure safety for pilgrims in the desert environment.

Muslims worldwide are in Mecca for the sacred Hajj pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islam's Five Pillars. As rituals older than 1,400 years unfold, pilgrims face challenges from scorching temperatures to restrictions like the prohibition of children under 12.

Saudi authorities advise careful navigation of the desert heat, urging minimal exposure to direct sunlight. Safety kits emphasize hydration and clothing suitable for the climate. Complexities increase with entry restrictions intended to ensure safety amidst large crowds.

Despite the Hajj's spiritual significance, financial hurdles persist. With costs ranging from $4,000 to $20,000, many rely on government assistance and flexible payment schemes. Countries like Pakistan adapt by reducing prices and allowing installment plans, highlighting the pilgrimage's universal but demanding nature.

(With inputs from agencies.)