Pakistan, June 25 -- MAKKAH - The sacred ceremony of replacing the Kiswa, the black cloth covering the Kaaba, is being held today at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year.

The ceremony is being led by the Governor of Makkah, representing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Senior officials, including the Imams of the Kaaba and skilled artisans from the Kiswah Factory, are taking part in the event.

The new Kiswa weighs a total of 1,415 kilograms. It is crafted with 1,000 kilograms of pure silk and intricately embroidered with gold and silver threads, showcasing Islamic calligraphy and sacred verses.

The old Kiswa is traditionally removed after the Asr prayer, while the...