Video: Kaaba's Kiswa changing ceremony in Makkah

The annual ceremony to replace the covering (Kiswa) of the holy Kaaba began early morning today (Monday) in Saudi Arabia, where millions of Muslims have gathered to perform the Haj.

There is no greater day to do the annual changing of the #KaabaKiswa than the morning of Arafah.#HolyKaaba 🕋 pic.twitter.com/cuUNZN3JOC

— Kaaba | الكعبة (@HolyKaaba) August 20, 2018

يتم الآن تغيير كسوة الكعبة 🕋Happening now, the changing of #KaabaKiswa https://t.co/VLRl72RAiE

— Kaaba | الكعبة (@HolyKaaba) August 20, 2018

The holy Kaaba is dressed in its new Kiswa on the Day of Arafat every year.

The ceremony, supervised by 160 technicians and manufacturers, based on the tradition of the General Presidency of the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque every year on this day.

The 'Kiswa' is woven from pure silk, and embellished by gold-plated thread illustrating verses from the Holy Quran. It is classified as a work of Islamic art produced by top-skilled craftsmen.