Srinagar: After the gap of two years, the first batch of 145 pilgrims from Srinagar left for Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with the first batch of Hajj pilgrims and extended greetings and best wishes to the people undertaking sacred pilgrimage.
“I pray for a successful Haj pilgrimage and peace, amity and prosperity for the Union Territory of J&K”, the Lt Governor said.
The governor also urged the pilgrims to apprise the administration instantly in case they face any issue anywhere during the pilgrimage.
Aijaz Hussain Member Hajj Committee, along with Commissioner Secretary Revenue Vijay Kumar, Dy CEO HCoI Javed Ahmed and CEO JK Haj committee flagged off the first batch of 145 Hajis from Hajj House Bemina, Srinagar.
At least 6000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Total 5400 pilgrims from Kashmir valley and others from Jammu and Ladakh to perform Hajj 2022.
The Hajj pilgrimage resumes after two years after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted by the Saudi Arabia government for the pilgrims.
Total 145 Haj pilgrims shrouded in white boarded the first flight from Srinagar International Airport for Saudi Arabia.
Two-to-three Hajj flights will take off from Srinagar international airport daily till June 20.
The pilgrims reached Hajj house Bemina where they were provided with necessary documents before they boarded buses for the Srinagar International Airport.
Emotional scenes were seen at the Hajj House Bemina where relatives of Hajj pilgrims were seen hugging each other reciting “Allah-ho-Akbar” (God is the greatest) before boarding the buses.
The pilgrims said that they will pray for the peace, prosperity and stability and the traditional brotherhood between Hindu, Muslims and Sikh unity in the Kashmir valley during their Hajj pilgrimage.
The authorities had made adequate arrangements for the smooth passage of the pilgrims at Hajj house Bemina.
Executive Officer Hajj house Abdul Salam said the Hajis have to undergo RT-PCR Covid-19 test 72 hours before boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
He said that every pilgrim was provided 2100 Saudi Riyals for their expenditure in Saudi Arabi. Besides, tags for their accommodation in Saudi Arabia were also provided.
The pilgrims who will come from Ladakh and Jammu will have to reach Srinagar Hajj House three days before their departure to fulfill all requirements and their staying, boarding and other arrangements are being taken care of by the officials of Hajj house.
UNI
