The annual ceremony to change the Ghilaf-e-Kaaba (Kiswah) was held at the Grand Mosque of Makkah (Masjid-Al-Haram) in Saudi Arabia.

Radio Pakistan's special correspondent Asad Ullah Khan reports from Saudi Arabia that the process of changing the Kiswa began after Asr prayers.

As part of the traditional procedure, the Holy Kaaba was first washed before the old covering was carefully removed.

Following Isha prayers, the new Kiswa was placed over the Kaaba in a solemn and reverent ceremony.

The new Kiswa was manufactured using 825 kilograms of natural silk, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver threads, 60 kilograms of pure silver and 410 kilograms of raw cotton.