A million fully vaccinated Muslims from around the world have gathered in the holy city of Mecca for the five-day Hajj. It's a big increase in number since the pandemic upended the annual Saudi event in 2020. While foreign pilgrims have returned, a government-organised lottery system has put a squeeze on the numbers, creating much frustration.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with every able-bodied Muslim expected to make the journey at least once in their lifetime.
