The administrator of the Grand Mosque of Mecca raised the lower part of Kiswa or the black decorated heavy cloth draped the Kaaba three meters as the holy city prepares for the beginning of Hajj season. The empty parts then were covered with white cloth.

The procedure is carried out every year just before mass number of pilgrims arrive in Masjid al-Haram to perform Hajj and is aimed to prevent any harm to the Kiswa while people are circling around the Ka’aba.

A new Kiswa is replaced the previous one every year on Day of Arafah, the 9th day of the Islamic Month of Dhu al-Hijjah al-Haram, when all Muslim pilgrims leave the holy city of Mecca for the plain of Mina and Arafat, which are located on the outskirts of Mecca.

The Kisaw is manufactured at a special complex in Saudi Arabia. It is made of silk and its large pieces are sewn together.

The Kiswa will return to its original length after the end of Hajj season.

Source: en.shafaqna.com