First Group of 431 Haj Pilgrims Depart from J&K to Saudi Arabia
Synopsis
On April 18, the first group of 431 Haj pilgrims left Jammu and Kashmir for Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of this year's pilgrimage season. With comprehensive arrangements in place, families gathered to bid farewell to their loved ones embarking on this sacred journey.
Key Takeaways
431 pilgrims departed for Haj from Jammu and Kashmir.
Special arrangements made for foreign exchange and documentation.
Significant community support as families bid farewell.
This year, 4,764 pilgrims are expected from the region.
The pilgrimage is a critical aspect of the Five Pillars of Islam .
Srinagar, April 18 (NationPress) The inaugural group of 431 Haj pilgrims departed on Saturday from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by officials from the Haj committee.
The group comprises 230 men and 201 women, who took off on three separate flights from the Srinagar International Airport.
All necessary arrangements for foreign exchange, documentation, and baggage handling were efficiently organized at the Haj House located in the Bemina region of Srinagar.
The pilgrims were transported via special buses from the Haj House to the airport, accompanied by hundreds of family members, friends, and relatives who gathered to bid them farewell.
This year, a total of 4,764 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are set to undertake the sacred Muslim pilgrimage of Haj.
The Haj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim is obligated to perform at least once in their lifetime.
It is recognized as the fifth of the essential Muslim practices, collectively referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam.
The pilgrimage rites commence on the seventh day of Dhu-al-Ḥijjah (the final month of the Islamic calendar) and conclude on the twelfth day.
It is mandatory for all Muslims who possess the physical and financial means to perform the pilgrimage, provided it does not place undue hardship on their families.
Individuals may also perform the Haj by proxy, designating a relative or friend to undertake the pilgrimage on their behalf.
The structure of the pilgrimage rites was instituted by the Prophet Muhammad, yet variations exist, and the formal itinerary is often not strictly followed, as many pilgrims visit various sites in Mecca in a non-sequential order.
Point of View
It is evident that the departure of the first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir signifies a well-organized effort by local authorities to facilitate this vital religious journey. This year's pilgrimage is noteworthy, with thousands from the region expected to participate, highlighting the enduring significance of Haj in the Islamic faith.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Haj pilgrimage?
The Haj pilgrimage is an annual Islamic event where Muslims travel to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform a series of religious rites, a duty every adult Muslim must fulfill at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able.
How many pilgrims are departing this year from Jammu and Kashmir?
This year, a total of 4,764 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to undertake the Haj pilgrimage.
What arrangements were made for the pilgrims?
Authorities ensured proper arrangements for foreign exchange, documentation, and baggage handling at the Haj House in Bemina, Srinagar, to facilitate a smooth departure for the pilgrims.
Can someone perform Haj on behalf of another person?
Yes, a person may perform Haj by proxy, appointing a relative or friend to undertake the pilgrimage on their behalf.
When does the Haj pilgrimage take place?
The Haj pilgrimage rites begin on the seventh day of Dhu-al-Ḥijjah and end on the twelfth day of the month.
