Mina: More than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims from around the world come together in the city of tent on their first stop to the vast plains of Arafat to perform the most important ritual of Haj today.
Swarms of pilgrims who had spent the night in Mina, some 10 kilometres (six miles) northwest of Arafat surged through the roads leading to the mountain after midnight.
After spending a whole day and night in Mina in prayers and meditation on the first day of Haj (Yaum Al Tarwiya) yesterday, they will proceeded to Arafat on foot, by train, bus and vehicles.
Many pilgrims took train, buses while others set off on foot for a valley that comes to life for just five days a year.
Saudi authorities have mobilised all its resources and facilities to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat.
The Chinese-built railway is operating for the first time this year at its full capacity of 72,000 people per hour to ease congestion and prevent stampedes in which hundreds have been killed in past years.
The dual-track light railway connects the three holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Mount Arafat, areas that see massive influx of pilgrims during the hajj.
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