Srinagar, March 13: Around 4,717 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year, with the first batch scheduled to depart from Srinagar on April 18, officials said.
Authorities said special Hajj flights carrying pilgrims from the region will operate from Srinagar International Airport between April 18 and April 28 to facilitate their journey to Saudi Arabia.
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The annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws thousands of Muslims from Jammu and Kashmir each year who travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to perform the religious rites.
Officials associated with the arrangements said logistical preparations for the pilgrims are underway, including travel coordination, accommodation and orientation for the journey.
The pilgrims will travel in multiple batches over a period of 10 days, with each flight carrying a designated group of pilgrims to ensure smooth management of the pilgrimage process.
Authorities said special arrangements have also been made for accommodation in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrims.
According to officials, men and women pilgrims will be provided separate accommodation facilities during their stay as part of the arrangements made for the Hajj pilgrimage.
In addition, authorities have imposed a restriction on self-cooking by pilgrims during their stay, and food arrangements will instead be provided through designated catering services.
Officials said the measure is intended to ensure safety, hygiene and better management of facilities for the pilgrims during the pilgrimage period.
The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place later this year in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar, and preparations are underway globally to accommodate millions of pilgrims expected to gather in Saudi Arabia.
Officials said orientation and awareness programmes are also conducted for pilgrims before departure to familiarise them with travel procedures, health guidelines and the rituals associated with the pilgrimage.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Hajj arrangements are coordinated by the Hajj Committee and concerned authorities, who oversee travel schedules, documentation and other logistical requirements for pilgrims.
Pilgrims are also advised to complete mandatory medical checks and documentation before departure to ensure smooth processing during travel.
Families of the selected pilgrims are expected to accompany them to the airport on departure days, a customary practice in the region where relatives gather to bid farewell before the pilgrims embark on the religious journey.
Authorities expressed hope that the travel schedule will proceed smoothly and that all arrangements will be completed in time for the departure of the first batch in April. [KNT]
