Tag: Saudi Arabia

Special Occasion

Hajj 2025 Begins: Millions of Pilgrims Gather in Mecca for the Annual Spiritual Journey

allycaralgoa

Mina, Saudi Arabia – June 4, 2025: The annual five-day pilgrimage of Hajj has officially commenced, as millions of Muslims from around the world converge on the holy city of Mecca to take part in one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.

Early this morning, pilgrims began their journey from Mecca to Mina, the first step in a sacred route that follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). As is tradition, the sprawling tent city of Mina, just a few kilometers outside Mecca, becomes the temporary home for the pilgrims — offering shelter, rest, and community as they prepare for the deeply symbolic and physically demanding rituals ahead.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is mandatory once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. It is a journey not only of distance but of spiritual renewal, humility, and equality, as people from every race, nationality, and social class stand side by side, dressed in simple white garments known as ihram.

Over the course of five days, pilgrims will perform a series of rituals including:

  • Spending the night in Mina
  • Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat
  • Collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah
  • The Tawaf (circling) of the Kaaba
  • The ritual animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha

Each rite carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing submission to God, the rejection of sin, and the renewal of faith.

As one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, Hajj represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah (global community). In 2025, the event sees participation from nearly every continent — with pilgrims traveling from the far reaches of Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, the United States, and beyond.

Saudi authorities have implemented extensive logistical, medical, and safety preparations to accommodate and protect the millions of attendees, with modern facilities and tech-driven support systems to assist the pilgrims throughout their journey.

More than a physical trek, Hajj is viewed as a journey of the soul. It’s a time for repentance, prayer, and deep introspection. Pilgrims often describe it as a life-changing experience — one that strips away worldly distractions and connects them with their faith in a profound and personal way.

As the tent city of Mina fills and the rituals begin, the eyes of the Muslim world turn toward Mecca in reflection, reverence, and solidarity.

#faith, #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Hajj 2025: The Last Summer Pilgrimage for 16 Years

allycaralgoa

The Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 will mark the last summer season for the next 16 years, bringing relief to millions of pilgrims who have faced extreme heat during recent pilgrimages. This change is due to the Islamic lunar calendar, which causes the Hajj dates to shift approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.


Starting in 2026, the Hajj will take place in the spring season, followed by winter, and will remain in these cooler seasons until it returns to summer in 2042. This shift is significant, especially considering the extreme heat challenges faced during recent summer pilgrimages.


The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage was particularly harsh, with temperatures soaring above 50°C (122°F) and resulting in over 1,300 deaths. Many of these fatalities were among unauthorized pilgrims who lacked access to proper shelter and amenities.


The shift to cooler seasons is expected to improve the overall experience for pilgrims, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This change will also allow for better planning and preparation by Saudi authorities, ensuring a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage for all.


The Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 will be a significant milestone, marking the last summer season for the next 16 years. As the Islamic lunar calendar continues to shift the Hajj dates, pilgrims can look forward to more comfortable and safer pilgrimages in the years to come.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj Season

allycaralgoa

In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and several African nations. This decision aims to regulate pilgrim numbers, prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, and ensure a safe experience for all pilgrims.

Reasons Behind the Suspension
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this logistical and safety-focused decision is to prevent individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration. In the past, some foreign nationals entered the kingdom on Umrah or tourist visas and stayed back to join the Hajj, violating Saudi visa and pilgrimage laws ¹.

Countries Affected by the Suspension
The following countries are impacted by this decision ²:

  • India: Citizens with valid visas can enter Saudi Arabia before April 13, but must leave by April 29.
  • Pakistan: Suspension applies to business visit visas, e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.
  • Bangladesh: Part of the countries contributing to overcrowding issues during the last Hajj season.
  • Egypt: Authorities identified countries that contributed to the crisis last year.
  • Indonesia: Visa suspension aims to improve coordination and ensure a safer pilgrimage.
  • Other affected countries: Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Ethiopia.

Implications for Travelers

  • Umrah Visa Deadline: April 13, 2025, is the last date for issuing Umrah visas. Those holding valid Umrah visas can still enter the Kingdom until this date.
  • Penalties for Violations: Individuals staying illegally during Hajj may face a five-year entry ban into Saudi Arabia and a fine of SAR 10,000 ³.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Pilgrim Safety
This temporary suspension reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a safe and organized Hajj experience. By controlling the number of pilgrims and preventing unauthorized participation, the Kingdom aims to protect the sanctity of the Hajj and the safety of all pilgrims ¹.

Events in Goa

Eid ul-Fitr 2025: India to Celebrate on March 31, Saudi Arabia on March 30

allycaralgoa

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world are gearing up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous occasion that marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India, and explore the significance of this festival in the Islamic faith.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE: A Unified Celebration
Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, and the UAE is likely to follow suit. The announcement was made after officials confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on March 29, the 29th day of Ramadan. The UAE, which is observing the crescent moon on the same day, is expected to announce a similar celebration date.

The unified celebration in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is a testament to the strong bonds of faith and culture that unite Muslims across the region. As the Islamic world comes together to mark the end of Ramadan, it’s a reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and community that are at the heart of the Islamic faith.

India: A Diverse Celebration
In India, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on March 31, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan began in India on March 2, and the festival marks the conclusion of the month-long fast from dawn to dusk.

India’s diverse Muslim community will come together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with traditional delicacies, gift-giving, and family gatherings. From the vibrant streets of Old Delhi to the scenic mosques of Kerala, Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for Muslims in India to reconnect with their faith and their community.

The Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid, is a significant festival in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, they’re reminded of the values of compassion, generosity, and community that are at the heart of the Islamic faith.

In a world that often seems divided, Eid-ul-Fitr is a powerful reminder of the unity and solidarity that exists among Muslims. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let’s come together to promote peace, understanding, and mutual respect.

Conclusion
Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal. As Muslims around the world mark the end of Ramadan, they’re reminded of the values of compassion, generosity, and community that are at the heart of the Islamic faith. Whether you’re celebrating in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, or anywhere else in the world, Eid-ul-Fitr is a time to come together with family and friends, exchange gifts, and indulge in traditional delicacies.