AhlulBayt News Ag ency: The covering, known as Kiswa, of the Holy Kaaba is set to be changed on the first day of the lunar month of Muharram, Saudi authorities said.
The replacement process will involve 159 skilled technicians and craftsmen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The existing Kiswa will be carefully removed to make way for the new covering, which is composed of four distinct panels and a curtain for the door. Each panel will be hoisted to the top of the Kaaba and unfurled over the previous layer.
The production of the Kiswa takes place at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Mecca, employing over 200 artisans and administrative staff.
The complex is divided into specialized departments, including dyeing, weaving—both machine and hand-operated—printing, creating belts, applying gold plating, sewing, and assembly.
The creation of the Kiswa is an intricate process, requiring approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black on-site, along with 120 kilograms of gold wire and 100 kilograms of silver wire.
Historically, the Kiswa was changed annually during the Hajj pilgrimage, specifically on the ninth or tenth day of Dhu Al Hijja. However, a royal decree issued in 2022 shifted this tradition to the first day of Muharram.
Pieces of the retired Kiswa are cut and distributed to select individuals and organizations, symbolizing honor and blessings.
The commencement of Muharram and the new Hijri year is anticipated to be on July 7.
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The replacement process will involve 159 skilled technicians and craftsmen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The existing Kiswa will be carefully removed to make way for the new covering, which is composed of four distinct panels and a curtain for the door. Each panel will be hoisted to the top of the Kaaba and unfurled over the previous layer.
The production of the Kiswa takes place at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Mecca, employing over 200 artisans and administrative staff.
The complex is divided into specialized departments, including dyeing, weaving—both machine and hand-operated—printing, creating belts, applying gold plating, sewing, and assembly.
The creation of the Kiswa is an intricate process, requiring approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black on-site, along with 120 kilograms of gold wire and 100 kilograms of silver wire.
Historically, the Kiswa was changed annually during the Hajj pilgrimage, specifically on the ninth or tenth day of Dhu Al Hijja. However, a royal decree issued in 2022 shifted this tradition to the first day of Muharram.
Pieces of the retired Kiswa are cut and distributed to select individuals and organizations, symbolizing honor and blessings.
The commencement of Muharram and the new Hijri year is anticipated to be on July 7.
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