The first flight carrying 320 Hajj pilgrims will take off from Srinagar International Airport today. According to authorities, 7008 pilgrims will embark on the holy journey to Makkah and Medina this year.
Dr Shujhat Qureshi, executive officer of the J&K Haj Committee, said that the committee is devoted to ensuring pilgrims have a flawless experience and that all measures have been taken to ease pilgrims' holy journey.
He said that a total of 7008 Hajj pilgrims will embark on the trip this year, with over 6508 departing from Srinagar and over 500 from Delhi.
"6,852 pilgrims will embark from Srinagar, including those from Ladakh, while 541 will travel from other airports, predominantly Delhi, totalling the count of the pilgrims to 7393.
He added that the departure of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir would begin on May 9, with 320 pilgrims in the first batch.
Dr Qureshi told reporters that 37 women pilgrims would also make the sacred journey without a Mahram (without a Guardian), with the bulk departing from Srinagar.
He added that everything from boarding permits to customs clearance has been methodically planned to provide a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims and their families.
He said that the Haj House will act as a central hub for all legalities, expediting the process for the pilgrims' convenience.
Qureshi also said that coordinated efforts across many ministries, including health, security, and emergency services, will be in place and that training sessions have been held twice to provide pilgrims with critical information and guidance for their journey.
Furthermore, this year's pilgrimage will begin with a visit to Medina, with all pilgrims staying in Markaziya.
He said that arrangements with improvements had been made in Minha, with tents strategically placed in zones 2, 3, and 4, improving the overall experience for pilgrims.
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