Israel

Funerals begin for those who died in stampede in Israel

On Friday a festive gathering in northern Israel turned into one of the country's worst-ever tragedies, with at least 45 people killed in a stampede.

01/05/2021

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Ultra-Orthodox Jews hold funeral for pilgrim who died in Israel

In a race against time, several funerals were held in Israel before sundown Friday for some of the 45 people killed at a stampede at a religious festival. Among them was a memorial for Rabbi Eliezer Mordechai Goldberg, as burials do not take place during the Jewish Sabbath.

30/04/2021

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Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims converge in northwest Pakistan

Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India and Pakistan converged on a temple in northwestern Pakistan to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most important festivals for the Sikhs.

14/04/2021

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Tens of thousands attend Senegal pilgrimage despite COVID-19

Some are concerned that the annual pilgrimage, which draws worshipers from across the country and abroad, could spread COVID-19.

06/10/2020

Ukraine

Ukraine accuses Belarus of stoking tensions over Jewish pilgrims

Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews travel every Jewish New Year to the central Ukrainian town of Uman to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.

15/09/2020

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Shia pilgrims gather in Iraq's Karbala amid COVID-19 restrictions

Visitors and locals started the mourn ceremony for Imam Hussein on Friday by beating themselves with chains, walking towards his shine in the city and holding funeral sessions in the mosques.

22/08/2020

World News

How has the Hajj pilgrimage changed amid the coronavirus pandemic?

Muslims living abroad were unable to make the #Hajj pilgrimage this year and were advised to continue social distancing for the important #EidAlAdha festival

31/07/2020

Earth News

Hajj goes virtual for the first time in history

The Islamic pilgrimage begins today, but amid coronavirus restrictions - could a virtual experience be the future?

29/07/2020

Iran

Euroviews. Sanctions are not the enemy of Iran’s public health as coronavirus grips - its regime is ǀ View

The spread of COVID-19 has caused governments worldwide to mobilise in the face of this emergency. Countries have implemented emergency measures to protect their citizens and shown solidarity by providing supplies where appropriate. One nation is an obvious outlier to this sentiment - Iran.

26/03/2020

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Thaipusam — a colourful Hindu festival in Malaysia

Crowds trekked for hours to reach the the Batu Caves complex before the final arduous climb up 272 steps to reach the temples.

08/02/2020

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Millions of Hindus gather to take 'holy dip' in the Ganges

Millions of Hindus gather to take 'holy dip' in the Ganges

14/01/2020

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Pilgrims dance in cosmic energy ritual in Bulgaria

Some 2,500 followers of a spiritual society gathered next to a glacial lake high in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains to celebrate their divine new year.

22/08/2019

Saudi Arabia

Watch: Over 2 million pilgrims gather in Mecca for Hajj

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and all able-bodied Muslims are required to make the journey at least once in their life.

09/08/2019

France

French teenager targeted with death threats after tweet about Hajj

French government ministers have tweeted their support for the teenager after some social media users called for him to be decapitated.

15/04/2019

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Watch: Mexican wrestlers celebrate Mass following pilgrimage

The wrestlers suited in colourful costumes and masks celebrated Mass to honour the country's patron saint.

23/08/2018

Saudi Arabia

In pictures: More than 2 million Muslims gather in Mecca

More than two million Muslims began the annual haj pilgrimage at first light on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, circling the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca that Islam's faithful face five times each day during their prayers.

20/08/2018

Saudi Arabia

Hajj underway in Mecca

Around two million Muslims are in Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj that is a sacred duty for all followers of Islam to attend if possible

20/08/2018

Saudi Arabia

Watch: Millions gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

Over 1.4 million Muslims have gathered in the holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

19/08/2018

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Hajj approaches incident-free half-way stage in Mecca

Trouble-free "stoning of the Devil" takes place in Mina as Hajj reaches halfway stage in Mecca.

02/09/2017

Portugal

Pope Francis arrives in Portugal for Fatima trip

Pope Francis arrived at Monte Real airport in Portugal on Friday where he was greeted by the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

12/05/2017