Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to travel light for greater comfort

Cairo: Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to carry only small, essential luggage when traveling to the holy sites for Hajj, which is scheduled to take place in early June this year.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained that limiting baggage significantly eases the performance of rituals and enhances the overall Hajj experience.

Pilgrims are advised to leave large bags at their residences and bring only necessary items to the Grand Mosque and other sacred locations.

"Reducing the amount of baggage, clothing, and non-essential items improves both comfort and safety," the ministry said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

It also warned that excessive luggage can hinder movement, increase congestion, and negatively impact the spiritual journey.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj — one of Islam’s five pillars — at sites in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Hajj is mandatory at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The pilgrimage begins annually on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and typically lasts five days.

Preparations are underway across Saudi Arabia to ensure a smooth Hajj season. Authorities have also implemented strict regulations to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from entering Mecca and the holy sites.