More than 100 million pebbles are thrown at the Jamarat, an important part of Hajj. But where do these millions of pebbles go after performing the ritual?
Pilgrims throw pebbles at Jamarat on the 10th Dhu Al-Hijjah, the first day of sacrifice, and at Ayyam Al-Tashreeq, on the two or three tashreeq days. The stones are hurled seven times on each pillar, Jamarat Al-Sugra (smaller), Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium), and Jamarat Al-Aqaba (largest).
According to the reports, more than 100 million pebbles have been used by the pilgrims, with each pilgrim throwing 47 pebbles and others who stayed at Mina using 70 again.
The Saudi government has developed a highly meticulous system to handle the millions of pebbles in the cleanest and most iconic way. As soon as the pilgrims perform the stoning ritual, the pebbles move vertically downwards from the three pillars on all four levels with a depth of up to 15 m and reach at the basement of Jamarat’s facility.
Multiple conveyor belts then collect the stones and spray them with water to remove any dirt on them. The pebbles are then shifted to vehicles which take them to specific areas where the pebbles are stored for further handling.
The Makkah-based Hajj & Mu’tamer Gift Charitable Association in partnership with Kedana Company provided more than 80,000 bags of pebbles at Jamarat last year.
The arrangement to manage millions of stones is perfection in itself.
