Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The lower portion of the Holy Kaaba’s kiswa (cover) was raised on Tuesday by approximately three meters. The raised part is covered with a white cotton fabric of about two meters on the four sides.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques took this measure as an annual procedure to ensure that Kaaba’s kiswa is protected from any damage by those circumambulating Islam’s holiest shrine during the Haj season.

Muhammad Bajouda, director general of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba’s cover, said that this is part of the plan for this year’s pilgrimage of Haj. “This measure is a precaution to prevent any abuses. There are a large number of pilgrims who are keen to touch the cover of the Kaaba, which exposes the garment to some damage,” he said.

He added that some pilgrims cut out some parts of the kiswa to use it as a mascot, which is of course, “pure superstition.” The kiswa will resume its normal position once the Haj season is over.