Kiswa Changing Ceremony at Kaaba fills hearts with devotion as New Islamic Year begins

MAKKAH – Holy Kaaba was draped with new Kiswa at Masjid al-Haram as Muslims around the world welcomed the Islamic New Year 1448 AH. Thousands of worshippers gathered around Islam’s holiest site to witness the sacred annual ceremony, while millions more followed the event from across the globe. A new year begins with a timeless tradition.The annual changing of the Kiswa of the Kaaba marked the arrival of 1 Muharram and the start of the Islamic New Year. pic.twitter.com/SIHf6Ju B62 — About Islam (@AbtIslamNet) June 16, 2026 The atmosphere inside the Grand Mosque was filled with emotion as chants of “Allahu Akbar” and “La ilaha illallah” echoed through the courtyard during the final stages of the replacement process. Preparations for changing the Kiswa began on Monday evening and continued throughout the night. By Tuesday morning, the installation of the new covering had been completed, marking the start of a new Hijri year with one of the most revered traditions in the Muslim world. For many worshippers, the ceremony was more than a ritual. It was a rare opportunity to witness a moment that symbolizes the continuity of Islamic heritage and the enduring connection of Muslims to the Holy Kaaba. The changing of the Kiswa takes place only once a year, making it one of the most anticipated events on the Islamic calendar. The process was carried out with meticulous care as specialists first remove the gold-embroidered Quranic inscriptions from the existing covering before taking down the curtain of the Kaaba’s door, which measures 6.35 metres in length and 3.33 metres in width. Teams then work in coordination to raise and secure the new Kiswa section by section until it completely covers the sacred structure. According to the King Abdulaziz Complex, the new Kiswa underwent seven stages of preparation before being handed over for installation. Its production required approximately 825 kilograms of raw silk, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pur