1.1895559-3368984764
Muslim pilgrims walk at the Grand mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia Image Credit: REUTERS

Riyadh: This year’s haj will begin on July 29, Saudi authorities said Monday.

“The stand of pilgrims on Mount Arafat, the peak of the haj ritual, falls on Thursday,” the official Saudi Press Agency cited the Supreme Court as saying, indicating that Wednesday would be the first day of the annual event.

This year’s haj season will be limited to only 10,000 pilgrims from within the Kingdom due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced earlier Monday that Friday, July 31, will be the first day of Eid Al Adha.

The court said that Tuesday, July 21, is the 30th of Dhu Al Qaeda, and Wednesday, July 22, will mark the first of Dhu Al Hijja. Since the first day of Eid Al Adha always falls on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja and one day after Arafat Day, Friday, July 31, will mark the first day of Eid Al Adha.