MAKKAH: More than a million worshippers were set to join Islam’s most important rite under a beating sun as the Hajj pilgrimage kicked off Wednesday, with authorities scrambling to avoid last year’s 1,000-plus deaths in sweltering heat.

In temperatures that are expected to climb to more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), robed pilgrims will slowly circle the holy Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site — the black cubic structure at the centre of Nakkah’s Grand Mosque.

About 1.4 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the multi-day Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

Authorities have ratcheted up anti-heat measures such as extra shade to avoid a repeat of last year, when 1,301 people died as temperatures hit 51.8C (125.2F). On Wednesday, pilgrims will perform the tawaf — walking seven times around the Holy Kaaba, which Muslims worldwide pray towards each day. They then head to Mina, the site of a giant tented city, before the Hajj’s high-point: prayers on Mount Arafat, where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is believed to have delivered his final sermon.

Before entering Makkah, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and behaviour.

Men don a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers, regardless of their social status or nationality.

Women, in turn, wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their faces and hands.

Pilgrims arriving on buses were already trickling into Mina on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by staff offering them coffee and dates.

“I am so happy, it’s such an amazing feeling,” said Reem al-Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi national performing Hajj for the first time.

Following last year’s lethal heatwave, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related ailments. Shaded areas have been enlarged by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands of additional medics will be on standby and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP last week.

Artificial intelligence technology will also help track the deluge of data and footage, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds.

Authorities said most of the deaths last year were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses.—AFP