Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque in the holy Saudi city of Mecca, on August 29, 2017, on the eve of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP PHOTO)

RIYADH, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia started Wednesday the Hajj pilgrimage in 2017, with more than 2 million pilgrims, including 1.8 million foreigners, expected to participate.

Hajj is the most important ritual among Muslims in the world, as almost all Muslims should perform it at least once in a lifetime. The Hajj-related worships will continue until next week.

A day earlier, Saudi Arabia announced tight security during the Hajj season, as it banned over 400,000 illegal pilgrims from entering Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, for not having Hajj permits.

The government said it has taken serious steps, including fine and jail terms against violators, to ensure smooth Hajj rituals for pilgrims.