Kiswah of Holy Kaaba Raised by 3 metres to Mark Start of Hajj 2024

On Wednesday, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has completed its annual tradition of raising the lower part of the Kiswah, the black cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. 

The Kiswah was lifted about 3 meters high, and the exposed area was covered with a white cotton cloth that is 2.5 meters wide and 54 meters long. This white cloth now surrounds all four sides of the Kaaba.

Preparation for Hajj 2024

This tradition is part of the preparations for the 2024 Hajj season. The goal is to protect the Kiswah from damage during the pilgrimage. During Hajj, many pilgrims perform tawaf, the ritual of walking around the Kaaba. While doing this, some pilgrims touch the Kiswah, and sometimes it can get accidentally damaged. Raising the Kiswah and covering the exposed area helps prevent this.

A team of 36 specialized Saudi technicians performed the task using 10 cranes. The process includes several careful steps. First, the technicians unscrew the bottom part of the Kiswah from all sides of the Kaaba. They then separate the corners and untie and remove the bottom rope from the fixing rings. After that, they roll the cloth upwards.

Also Read: Hajj 2024: Saudi Ministry Announces Deadline For Umrah Pilgrims to Leave Kingdom

Once the Kiswah is lifted, the lanterns around the Kaaba are taken down to make space for the white cloth. The white cloth is then draped around the Kaaba, and the lanterns are put back in place. The final step involves wrapping the lower part of the curtain of the Kaaba’s door with the white cloth.

This white cloth will stay in place until the 15th of Dhu al-Hajj, which is during the Hajj period. This measure ensures that the Kiswah remains clean and intact during the busy Hajj season when millions of pilgrims visit the Kaaba.

This tradition not only protects the Kiswah but also symbolizes the preparation and care taken for one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar. By raising the Kiswah and adding the white cloth, the General Authority ensures that the Kaaba is well-prepared for the influx of pilgrims during Hajj.