Millions of Muslims have gathered in Mecca, marking the beginning of the five-day Hajj pilgrimage—the world's largest annual religious gathering. It is year 1446 in the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims are expected to retrace the steps of the Prophet Muhammad,

Saudi Arabia has announced drastic changes for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage that begins today, including new rules prohibiting children from accompanying pilgrims, and prioritizing pilgrims traveling for the first time.

Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims clambered up rocks and nestled between boulders on Thursday as they embarked on a day of worship under a scorching sun at the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.