MAKKAH, 28 December 2004 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed yesterday oversaw the ritual washing of the Holy Kaaba ahead of the annual Haj, which will reach its peak on Jan. 20.
The Kaaba is traditionally washed with water from the nearby Zamzam spring, mixed with rose water. The ritual was attended by royal princes, senior government officials and members of the Islamic diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom as well as pilgrims.
Speaking after the occasion, Prince Abdul Majeed said the Kingdom will spare no effort to provide the best possible service for the pilgrims and will continue to implement infrastructure projects at the holy sites to ensure better conditions for the faithful.
The Kaaba is washed twice a year, once in the holy fasting month of Ramadan and once for Haj. The Kaaba is covered by a black cloth known as kiswa which is replaced every year. The kiswa is produced at a special factory built and run by the government in Makkah.
Some 450 kilograms of silk and 15 kilograms of gold thread is used to make the 658-square meter kiswa.
