Indian Muslims Leave For Pilgrimage To Mecca

GUWAHATI, INDIA - MAY 17: Haj pilgrims offer prayers in a bus as they leave for the airport from Hazi Musafir-Khana to embark on the holy journey to Mecca on May 17, 2024 in Guwahati, India. The Hajj is a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islamic religious doctrine dictates that Hajj must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims. It takes place from the 8th through the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. More than 2 million Muslims from over 183 countries make the Hajj each year. (Footage by David Talukdar/Getty Images)