Pilgrims Begin Arriving in Mina as Hajj Rituals Commence Amid Intense Heat
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Thousands of pilgrims participating in Hajj 2026 have begun arriving and settling in the tent city of Mina as the annual pilgrimage officially enters the Day of Tarwiyah on Monday.
The movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Mina marks the beginning of the core Hajj rites, with worshippers spending the day in prayer, reflection, and preparation ahead of the Day of Arafah, considered the pinnacle of the pilgrimage.
Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have intensified operational and support measures as pilgrims continue to stream into Mina under extremely hot weather conditions.
Temperatures in the holy sites reached about 45 degrees Celsius on Monday afternoon, while the real-feel temperature was reported to be even higher.
Saudi authorities said field teams and emergency response units remain on ground to assist pilgrims, manage crowd movement, and ensure the smooth delivery of essential services throughout the exercise.
Officials also advised pilgrims to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and comply with health and safety guidelines as the Hajj rituals progress.
The Day of Tarwiyah, observed on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, traditionally marks the first major movement of pilgrims to Mina before their departure to the plains of Arafah on Tuesday for the most significant rite of Hajj.
Meanwhile, pilgrims from Kaduna State and other parts of Nigeria have also successfully arrived and settled in Mina ahead of the Day of Arafah.
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency disclosed that the pilgrims were in good condition and had settled peacefully in the tent city as they prepared spiritually and physically for the crucial phase of the pilgrimage.
The Public Relation Officer of the agency, Ibrahim Datti, disclosed that officials have continued to supervise and coordinate activities aimed at ensuring the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of the pilgrims throughout their stay.
Medical personnel attached to the Kaduna State contingent also remained on ground, attending to health-related concerns and providing necessary medical support to pilgrims, while welfare officers continued to offer guidance and assistance where required.
The agency further stated that members of the preaching committee have been conducting regular enlightenment sessions to educate pilgrims on the proper performance of Hajj rites in line with Islamic teachings.
As part of the welfare arrangements, officials are also distributing hygienic meals to pilgrims to help maintain their health and comfort throughout the Hajj period.
The Day of Arafah, regarded as the most significant rite of Hajj, will see millions of pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah in devotion, prayers, and supplication to Almighty Allah.
