Annual: Vast crowds cast pebbles as they flowed past the three pillars, on the same day as the start of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha
Ritual: Saudi Arabian police control the crowds as they arrive to throw pebbles at pillars during the Jamarat ritual, the stoning of Satan, in Mina
Crowded: Pilgrims pelted pillars symbolising the devil with pebbles to show their defiance on the third day of the hajj as Muslims worldwide marked the Eid al-Adha holy day with mass animal sacrifices
Lethal: In previous years the sheer number of people swirling around the pillars has led to stampedes - with 244 people killed in 2004 and 360 fatally injured the following year
Stunning: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims piligrims prayed at Mecca's Grand Mosque last week as they arrived to take part in the hajj
Pilgrimage: Muslims pray inside the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia earlier this week (left and right)
