Hindus celebrate Navratri as Muslims undertake hajj

Two of the world's largest religious populations observed important celebrations over the weekend.

Muslims began their annual pilgrimage, or hajj, on Sunday. The journey from Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam that every capable Muslim must complete once in their lifetime. This year, around 1.5 million Muslims gathered at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia to pray. Some said they prayed for peace and an end to bloodshed.

Meanwhile, Hindus celebrated the Navaratri festival honoring the goddess Durga. The celebration, also known as Durga Puja, spans nine days and involves food, dancing, and new clothes. Some Hindu devotees fast and offer prayers during the festival, which marks Durga's triumph over a demon.