Pilgrims celebrate Eid in Makkah amid a symphony of colour

Makkah: Pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah dress up for Eid Al-Fitr, turning parts of the Grand Mosque into a vibrant symphony of colours that highlight the variety of the Muslim population.

Dressed in beautiful clothing, travellers from all over the world take part in the festive ambience, each appreciating their own cultural background as they celebrate Eid with other visitors.

Hotel employee Arwa Al-Harbi highlighted how pilgrims and tourists are becoming more fascinated with Saudi culture as a result of the Kingdom's increased global openness,

“Visitors now eagerly inquire about traditional Saudi attire like the mishlah and the occasions for wearing the iconic white and red ghutra, appreciating the sophistication and heritage behind these garments,” she said.

Al-Harbi, dispelling misconceptions shown by the, praises the beauty and elegance of Saudi attire, Arab News reported.

“Gulf youths are frequently depicted disheveled in television dramas and films, perpetuating a stereotype ingrained in the minds of many observers. Yet, on closer inspection, these notions are found to be erroneous, with visitors acknowledging the sophistication, elegance, and charm of Saudi attire. This serves to reaffirm the authentic image of Arab youth,” she said.

The wide variety of clothes on display in Makkah during Eid, according to Al-Harbi, contributes to the joyous atmosphere and enhances the city's standing as a symbol of Islamic unity and cultural diversity.

“This sends a powerful message to the world: Despite the variety in attire, Muslims represent a cultured community with diverse cultural and civilizational backgrounds,” she said.

Expert researcher on Makkah affairs Saad Al-Joudi highlighted the unique standing of the two holiest cities in Islam, Madinah and Makkah.

“Set apart from all others worldwide, Makkah and Madinah serve as spiritual havens and pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across every continent,” he said.

“Pilgrims eagerly await the opportunity to visit and spend their holidays in these cities, considering it the ultimate fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations.”

He added that during Eid festivities “one witnesses the grandeur of these holy cities, as pilgrims resound Eid takbirs through Makkah’s streets, pathways, and bustling markets, infusing the air with joy and jubilation. They even exchange traditional Eid sweets, bringing a taste of home to their fellow pilgrims from distant lands.”

Retail establishments, according to Al-Joudi, were prepared to meet all of the pilgrims' clothing demands, whether it was for the joyous occasion of Eid Al-Fitr or the holy month of Ramadan.

“This underscores the robust purchasing power exhibited by pilgrims during Eid Al-Fitr, as they eagerly seek out items unavailable in their home countries,” he said.

“Furthermore, it highlights the resilience and diversity of the Saudi market and its swift responsiveness to the requests of pilgrims hailing from various corners of the globe.”

An Indian pilgrim named Ahmed Mohammed expressed his joy at being in Makkah and said he was looking forward to celebrating Eid Al-Fitr with other Muslims who had travelled from all over the world to the holy city.

He enjoyed seeing a variety of clothes during the celebrations, but he especially liked the traditional Indian clothes, which included the Indian turban and traditional garb.

Taqi Al-Din, a Nigerian, agreed, describing how Africans use vibrant, eye-catching colours for formal events and elaborate embroidery to leave a lasting impression.