Hajj: Drone footage shows thousands making the Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca

More than two million Muslims have been on pilgrimage to Mecca for the Hajj

Drone footage released by the The Saudi Center for International Communication (CIC) shows thousands of people making the Islamic pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj is a five-day annual pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims and is the world’s largest annual gathering of people.

The pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam that every Muslim is expected to do at least once in their lifetime providing they are well enough and can afford to go.

The footage shows sweeping vistas of mountainous Mecca and thousands of pilgrims gathering in the holy city. The video also features the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line which transports Hajj pilgrims to the sacred site.

Among the religious rituals performed by worshippers is walking in circle around the Kaaba, a black cube-shaped structure at the centre of the Great Mosque.

This year, the Hajj started on the evening of Sunday 19 August and ends on Friday 24 August.