First batch of Haj pilgrims leaves for Saudi Arabia
Team Udayavani, Jul 15, 2018, 9:54 AM IST
New Delhi: The first batch of Haj pilgrims was today flagged off by Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who said the preparations for ensuring a smooth pilgrimage had been completed.
The first batch of 410 Haj pilgrims from Delhi left for Madina from the Indira Gandhi International Airport this morning. A total of 1,28,702 pilgrims will be facilitated by the government across India through the Haj Committee this year.
Over 1,200 Haj pilgrims have left Delhi for Saudi Arabia in three flights today. Besides Delhi, 450 pilgrims from Gaya, 269 from Guwahati, 900 from Lucknow and 1,020 pilgrims from Srinagar left for Saudi Arabia for Haj.
Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, in cooperation with the Saudi Arabia Haj Consulate, Haj Committee of India and other concerned agencies, had completed preparations for Haj 2018 well before time to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. Noting that Haj 2018 is being organised according to the new Haj Policy, the minister said it had made the entire Haj process transparent and ensured better facilities for the pilgrims.
Naqvi said despite the removal of the Haj subsidy and various new taxes imposed in Saudi Arabia, there was no additional financial burden on the pilgrims. He also said that Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year as compared to 2017 for Haj pilgrims travelling through the Haj Committee of India.
Naqvi said that it was the first time after Independence, that 1,75,025 Muslims from India were going for Haj this year. He said more than 47 per cent females are going for Haj this year and for the first time 1,308 Muslim women, travelling without ‘Mehram’ or male companion, were among them.
Delhi Revenue and Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot, Haj Committee of India Chairman Chaudhary Mehboob Ali Kaiser, Delhi Haj Committee Chairman and MLA Mohammad Ishraq Khan and Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary Ameizing Luikham, were also present at the airport.
On July 17 pilgrims from Kolkata, on July 20 pilgrims from Varanasi, on July 21 pilgrims from Mangalore, on July 26 pilgrims from Goa and on July 29 pilgrims from Aurangabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Nagpur, will embark for Haj.
On July 30, pilgrims from Ranchi, on August 1 pilgrims from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin, Hyderabad and Jaipur, and on August 3, pilgrims from Bhopal, will embark for Haj.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment
Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.