Hajj 2023: The holy pilgrimage returns in full-swing after pandemic restrictions end

Over 2 million Muslims are taking part in this week's Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as one of the world's largest religious gatherings returns to full capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions. This year, Hajj is taking place between June 26 and July 1.

In this photo, a general view of the Grand Mosque is seen from the Clock Tower during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Hajj is a spiritual, emotional and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim.

It occurs in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, between the eighth and 13th days of the month. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Water mist is sprayed on Muslim pilgrims as they pray on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP/PTI)

Muslim pilgrims pray at the Mina tent camp, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the annual hajj pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP/PTI)

Pilgrims walk beside pigeons outside the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Pakistani pilgrim Mubarak Ali Shah leads pilgrims as they pray outside the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Chadian pilgrims walk outside the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

A Muslim pilgrim prays on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)