Pilgrims Continue Converging on Jamarat for ‘Stoning of Devil’ Ritual
According to Shafaqna, there is no overcrowding in Jamarat as most pilgrims prefer to do the ritual after Zawwal (midday).
Ayyam al-Tashreeq are the three days after Eid al-Adha, which fell on Friday, September 1, this year.
Under close supervision from Saudi authorities, pilgrims clad in white robes converge on Jamarat carrying pebbles to perform the ritual from a three-story bridge erected to ease congestion.
Group leaders carrying flags from their countries direct pilgrims into the building. Some of the faithful held umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) around midday, according to Reuters.
Saudi authorities redesigned the Jamarat area after two stampedes, in 2004 and 2006, killed hundreds of pilgrims.
Officials said they had prepared a strict timetable for pilgrims from various countries to follow in order to reduce congestion.
After the ritual of pelting the devil, pilgrims will return to Mecca to pray at the Grand Mosque before completing the pilgrimage.
