The first batch of 431 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage on Saturday, officials said.
The pilgrims consisted of 230 males and 201 females who embarked on the journey in three flights, they said.
The first flight carried 79 males and 66 females; the second accommodated 78 males and 65 females, while the last flight scheduled for the day carried 73 males and 70 females, taking the total to 431 pilgrims, including 230 men and 201 women, officials added.
QP-7521 (first flight) passengers were required to report between 06:00 and 06:30 am, QP-7520 (second flight) between 08:15 and 08:45 am, and QP-7519 (third flight) between 09:00 and 09:30 am.
All necessary arrangements for transportation, baggage handling and documentation have been put in place at the Haj House at Bemina here to ensure a smooth departure process, the officials said.
Hundreds of family members of those leaving gathered outside the Haj House to bid farewell to the pilgrims.
A total of 4,764 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will embark on the holy pilgrimage this year.
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