Ceremony to replace holy Kaaba’s covering held in Mecca ahead of eid

A ceremony to replace the Holy Kaaba’s covering, known as the Kiswa, with a new one began in Mecca on Sunday, ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Hawzah News Agency (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) - A team of technicians began the task by lifting the gold- embroidered pieces from the Kiswa corners.

This includes lifting the curtain draped over the Kaaba’s door, which is embroidered from pure gold.

It also includes four panels inscribed with Surat Al-Ikhlas (a chapter of the Quran) placed in every corner of the Kaaba and lanterns inscribed with Quranic verses hanging in its interior.

Every year, the old black silk cloth that covers the Kaaba is removed and a new one is draped on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which falls on Monday Aug 20 this year.

The black and gold cloth that is wrapped around the Kaaba gets replaced once a year during the Hajj season.

The move occurs when pilgrims head to Mount Arafat to witness a key ritual during pilgrimage. The older Kiswa is removed and replaced with a new one.

Usually, the previous Kiswa is torn into pieces and gifted to foreign dignitaries.

Muslims worldwide, including Hajj pilgrims in Mecca, will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) on Wednesday.