Today is the Day of Arafat, considered the holiest and most significant day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, is being observed today in Saudi Arabia. More than 1.5 million Muslims from across the world have moved from Mina to the plains of Mount Arafat to offer prayers and seek forgiveness and mercy from God.

Pilgrims had begun arriving in Mina on Monday ahead of the key Hajj rituals. The gathering on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is regarded as the spiritual peak of the pilgrimage and is among the largest religious congregations in the world.

Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia have said elaborate arrangements have been made for more than one lakh 75 thousand Indian pilgrims performing Hajj this year.

India’s Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri said the Indian Hajj Mission in Makkah is coordinating accommodation, transport, baggage handling and medical services for pilgrims in cooperation with Saudi authorities.

He said the mission is working closely with Saudi Arabia’s ministries of Hajj and Umrah, foreign affairs, interior and health, along with service provider companies managing facilities for pilgrims.

India’s Hajj quota remains unchanged from last year at 1,75,025 pilgrims.

Of these, one lakh 22 thousand 518 pilgrims are travelling through the Hajj Committee of India, while 52 thousand 507 pilgrims are undertaking the pilgrimage through private tour operators.