The annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj has begun in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage lasts for 5 to 6 days and the dates differ according to the calendar year. This year Hajj 2020 began on July 28 and it will go on till August 2. But amid the pandemic, the face of this pilgrimage wears a deserted look. From visitor numbers crossing almost 25 lakhs every year, to just about a 1,000 people this time, pictures and videos of Hajj with social distancing are being shared on social media. #Hajj2020 is among the trends on Twitter with pictures and videos of pilgrims circling the Kabba as they maintain social distancing from one another. Hajj 2020: Rituals And Significance of Annual Islamic Pilgrimage For Muslims.

On regular days, Hajj sees millions of Muslims gathering together for one of the world's biggest religious gatherings. They gather to pray at Mecca's Grand Mosque. But with the countries around the world still battling the pandemic, the authorities decided to cut down the number of visitors drastically. With just about 1,000 attendees, people were seen keeping a safe distance as they prayed around the Kabba which is synonymous to "House of God." The word Hajj means "to attend a journey", which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions. It is one of the most sacred time and event of great significance for every Muslim. However, it sees a lot different look this year due to fewer people in attendance. Pictures and videos from Mecca are shared online. Hajj Mubarak 2020 Greetings & HD Images: WhatsApp Stickers, Facebook Messages, GIFs, SMS and Quotes to Send to Family and Friends.

Check Pics and Videos of Hajj 2020:

Hajj Mubarak

Wow! So Powerful

Praying Alone 

Video of Devotees Circling the Kabba

Tawaf With Social Distancing

Some More Glimpses

Here's Another Comparison

Watch Video of Tawaf at Hajj 2020:

To ensure the safety of everyone, the mosque was disinfected two days prior to the beginning of the event. The Saudi government has also enforced strict social distancing rules. Pilgrims arriving here had to take COVID-19 tests before arriving in Mecca and also a 14-day quarantine followed. It is said to be the safest ever Hajj because of the downsized number of visitors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2020 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).