More than two million pilgrims today commenced the first day of Tashreeq by doing the ritual of "stoning the devil".
in a symbolic move, pilgrims have to throw stones at three designated locations called Al-Jamra Al-Sughra, Al-Jamra Al-Wusta and Al-Jamra Al-Kubra. They will stay at Mina near Makkah over the days of Tashreeq.

Through this ritual of pilgrimage, pilgrims go over a multi-level structure including walls symbolising the devil.

These days, called Tashreeq, mark the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month on the 12-month lunar-based Islamic calendar consisting of 355 days.

After performing the devil-stoning ritual, pilgrims leave Mena for Makkah to move around Al-Kaaba seven times to end their Haj, the fifth and final pillar of Islam. All Physically able Muslims are required to perform Haj once in their lifetime if they can afford it.
The number of pilgrims this year is 2,353,122, a net increase over last year when 1,862,909 performed Haj.
The pilgrims this year include 1,752,014, from abroad and 600,108 Saudi Arabia residents.

Source:BNA