This Pakistani green was the only flag that rippled in the breeze near one of the bridges in Mina on Tuesday.

In the past, the most prominent and ubiquitous features on the bridges and flyovers that crisscross the tent city of Mina were the flags of different countries that fluttered in the wind.

In a sea of white, the flags were a dash of color. The pilgrims felt elated, seeing their countries’ flags flying high in the tent city. For journalists and photographers coming from outside the Kingdom, the flags told a colorful story.

For first-timers to Mina this year, nothing seems out of the ordinary. For those who have been here in the past, however, either on pilgrimage or reporting assignments, the absence of flags is instantly noticeable. The Haj delegates from different countries always took particular pride in reporting to their governments that their flags were flying at the holy sites.

A long stroll on King Abdul Aziz Street, which is the main artery leading into Mina from Makkah’s Aziziah district, showed that there were no flags flying anywhere. There was in fact a single one — a Pakistani flag, not very high, rippling in the breeze near one of the bridges. It may have been tied there by an enterprising pilgrim with some help from his friends. Inquiries to authorities and diplomats at the Haj missions of South Asian countries revealed that flags had been banned this year.

“There is no reason to fly the flags at Mina,” said a mid-level Saudi official. “The pilgrim establishments and Haj operators used to fly them to attract the attention of their pilgrims and to help guide them in the direction of their camps.” The flags were visible from far and near.

Unfortunately, certain people took liberty and flew some flags and banners that were not in keeping with the rites and rituals of Haj. “And so,” the official continued, “a clause was inserted in the Haj agreements banning the flying of country flags at the holy sites.”

A South Asian diplomat confirmed the official statement. “This clause came into force three years ago, but the authorities initially turned a blind eye to the flags. This year, however, the flags were removed from all bridges and flyovers in Mina three days ago. The authorities know best and they must surely have a good reason for their action. We must all abide by the rules,” he said.

Ajmal Siddiqui, a private Haj operator from India, who regularly brings in pilgrims, admitted that he felt something was amiss when he saw no flags. “My first reaction was that our pilgrims had been put up somewhere else but now I have been informed that the absence of flags is deliberate,” headded.

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