Indian Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
The anticipation and excitement were palpable as the first group of pilgrims from India touched down in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to embark on this year’s Hajj journey. India, with over 200 million Muslims, sent 175,025 worshippers to Saudi Arabia as part of the 2024 Hajj quota.
Commencement of the Spiritual Journey
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is set to begin on June 14 and conclude on June 19. Pilgrims have the option to perform the pilgrimage over five or six days, with many choosing to arrive early to seize the opportunity to fulfill their religious obligations.
Departure from New Delhi
The first Hajj flight for Indian pilgrims took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Chairperson of the Delhi State Hajj Committee, Kausar Jahan, reported that the flight carrying 285 individuals departed at 2:20 a.m. on Thursday.
Official Welcome in Madinah
Upon arrival in Madinah, the Indian pilgrims were greeted by the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, and his team, along with Saudi officials including the Minister of Transport and Logistics Service, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and the Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdul Fattah Mashat.
India’s Hajj 2024 Commences
The Indian Hajj Mission in Jeddah shared on Facebook the warm reception of the first flight of Indian Hajj pilgrims in Madinah, marking the official start of India’s Hajj 2024. Chairman of the Hajj Committee of India, A.P. Abdullakutty, revealed that multiple flights departed from various cities in India on Thursday.
Inclusion of Women Pilgrims
India’s Hajj contingent for this year features over 4,000 women who will be performing the pilgrimage without a male guardian, a significant change following Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow women to travel alone for Hajj. Muktesh K. Pardeshi, secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, oversaw preparations for this year’s Hajj during his official visit to Saudi Arabia.
As the Hajj season unfolds, the spirit of unity, devotion, and reverence fills the hearts of Indian pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey towards spiritual fulfillment.