New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) The inaugural group of Haj 2026 devotees has departed from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, heading to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The Chairperson of the Delhi Haj Committee, Kausar Jahan, was present at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims.

One of the pilgrims expressed to IANS, “By the grace of Allah and your prayers, we have been blessed with the chance to undertake Haj 2026. Today, according to His will, we are boarding our first flight from Delhi. I kindly request everyone to pray for us that Allah eases our journey and grants us the strength to complete our Haj successfully.”

Another pilgrim shared, “Everything has been managed excellently. Now, we are looking forward to the arrangements awaiting us in Saudi Arabia. India has performed admirably; everything here is commendable. The Haj Committee has provided substantial support, and the Delhi government has also been very accommodating. We have not encountered any issues thus far.”

This year, a total of 175,025 pilgrims are anticipated to embark on the annual pilgrimage.

On Friday, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju wished the pilgrims well and reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a seamless, safe, and comfortable Haj experience. He mentioned that several new initiatives have been implemented this year to enhance service quality.

Significant initiatives for Haj 2026 include improved digital services through the Haj Suvidha App and the introduction of Haj Suvidha smart wristbands to assist in locating and aiding pilgrims. For the first time, a short-duration Haj option lasting approximately 20 days has been introduced, providing greater flexibility.

The government has also raised the insurance coverage to about Rs 6.25 lakh per pilgrim, fortifying financial and health security during the journey. Furthermore, around 60,000 pilgrims will benefit from high-speed train connectivity between Makkah and Madinah, allowing for faster and more comfortable travel.

Authorities have implemented enhanced real-time monitoring and grievance redressal systems, improved medical screenings, healthcare support, and better coordination for accommodation and transportation services in Saudi Arabia. Hotel-style lodging has been arranged in Makkah to offer superior facilities to the pilgrims.

The Haj operations will be conducted through 17 embarkation points across India, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Srinagar, ensuring regional accessibility and effective logistics.

The government has placed the utmost priority on the welfare and well-being of Haj pilgrims, maintaining close collaboration with Saudi authorities throughout the pilgrimage period. Pilgrims are encouraged to adhere to all guidelines and travel advisories to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching journey.