The Festival of Washing the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam Water and Perfume

In a revered annual tradition, the Holy Kaaba in Makkah was ceremonially washed for the Hijri year 1447, in the presence of dignitaries and ambassadors from several Muslim countries accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The washing process, known as 'Ghusl', always follows the replacement of the Kiswa which took place on the first day of the Islamic New Year.

During the Ghusl ritual, the doors of the Kaaba- Islam’s holiest site- are opened, and its interior is cleansed by wiping the walls with cloths soaked in a blend of Zamzam water and rose water.

This year's Kaaba washing was performed by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region on behalf of Saudi King alman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Following the ritual, Prince Saud performed Tawaf prayer.

The event, which took place after Fajr prayer on Thursday, saw heavy security presence. The process of washing the Kaaba consists of three main stages. First, the preparation stage using 40 litres of Zamzam water divided into two gallons and mixed with Taif rose water and a special oud oil.

Then there is the actual washing stage, where the walls and interiors of the Kaaba are washed. Finally, there is the perfuming and incense stage which involves Taif rose oil and premium oud incense.

The whole process uses:

40 litres of Zamzam water divided into two gallons of silver, 540 millilitres of Taif rose water, 24 millilitres of high-quality Taif rose oil, 24 millilitres of Oud oil and 3 millilitres of musk to perfume the walls and floor of the Kaaba.

Saudi authorities clarified that all materials used in the ritual were carefully prepared in advance "to ensure the highest levels of purity and sanctity".