The annual ceremony to replace the kiswa, the embroidered, black-and-gold silk cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, commenced on Wednesday evening.

This practice has been ongoing for over a century and involves meticulous coordination.

The process began with the removal of a section measuring 6.35 meters by 3.33 meters from the area covering the Kaaba door.

The new kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, supported by an extensive logistical system.

A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will be responsible for removing the old cloth, detaching its gilded elements, and installing the replacement.

The cover comprises 47 black-silk panels, adorned with 68 Quranic verses through the use of 24-karat gold-plated silver threads, weighing approximately 1,415 kilograms.

To produce this year's kiswa, a total of 825 kilograms of silk, 410 kilograms of raw cotton, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, and 60 kilograms of pure silver were utilized.

Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were crafted using eight specialized weaving machines at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

This detailed craftsmanship marks another year in this longstanding tradition.