Muslim hajj pilgrimage enters final stage

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MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Millions of Muslims made their way to the Mina section of Mecca in Saudi Arabia Friday to begin the final stage of their hajj pilgrimage, officials said.

Saudi officials increased security at the site of the Stoning the Devil ritual, at which more than 340 people died in a stampede six years ago, Voice of America reported.

In the ritual, hajj pilgrims throw small stones at three walls in Mina.

Followers make the journey to the birthplace of Islam at least once in their lifetime if possible, Voice of America said.

"This is the big day in my life and I feel too much holy and too much happy. We don't have feeling to express this, how much I feel," said Mohammad Makbul, a Pakistani pilgrim.