Mashable: In a solemn ceremony steeped in tradition, the annual washing of the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, took place on Sunday, July 21, 2024, following the Fajr prayer. This sacred ritual, symbolizing spiritual purification and renewal, was led by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah region, representing King Salman.

The ceremony commenced as Prince Saud was welcomed by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Haj and Umrah, and Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Two Holy Mosques. With reverence, the Prince proceeded to wash the Kaaba's interior walls using a specially prepared mixture of Zamzam water, rose water, and other fragrances, embodying the essence of purity and devotion.

فيديو | نائب أمير مكة يؤدي تحية الطواف بعد الانتهاء من غسل #الكعبة_المشرفة#الإخبارية pic.twitter.com/BFoLYP1dR0 — قناة الإخبارية (@alekhbariyatv) July 21, 2024

Following the cleansing, Prince Saud performed two units of Tawaf, circumambulating the Kaaba in a display of worship and reverence. This act, central to Islamic pilgrimage, holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.

On behalf of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Washes Holy Kaabahttps://t.co/PCh8FaTNge#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/AJ4eUmGAl2 — SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) July 21, 2024

The event marks a continuation of the recent refurbishment of the Kaaba. On July 7, the sacred structure was adorned with a new Kiswah, the iconic black cloth intricately embroidered with gold threads. This meticulous process involved 159 skilled technicians from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, highlighting the blend of tradition and craftsmanship in maintaining Islam's holiest site.

This annual ritual not only preserves the sanctity of the Kaaba but also symbolizes the ongoing spiritual cleansing and renewal central to Islamic faith, drawing millions of pilgrims and capturing the attention of Muslims globally.