Sunday, January 8 2006 12:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mina (Saudi Arabia): An estimated 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims began the annual trek today (Jan 08, 2006) from the holy city of Mecca to the valley of Mina with Saudi authorities on high alert to prevent another tragedy.

The pilgrimage rites, known as hajj, start three days after an aging hostel in the heart of Mecca collapsed, killing 76 people and wounding 62.

Rescue operations ended Friday and the rubble of the Luluat al-Kheir (Pearl of Grace) hostel was removed to allow a sea of pilgrims to flow from Mecca to Mina, some five kms to the east, to begin tracing the journey made by Prophet Mohammed more than 1,400 years ago.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all devout, able-bodied Muslims with the means for the journey.

Men and women of all age, colour and nationality dressed in white robes and sandals started marching on foot or boarded buses to Mina after dawn prayers.

They will spend the day known as 'Yawm at-Tarwiya' in prayers and meditation, sleeping at night in fire-proof tents before heading further south on Monday to Mount Arafat for the climax of hajj.

Some were already in Mina on Friday, camping in portable tents under bridges or on curb sides despite signs everywhere warning against loitering.

Hundreds of security force members in military fatigues fanned out in the area while Asian labourers in orange jumpsuits swept the streets.