The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar departed on Sunday morning for the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, embarking on the sacred Islamic pilgrimage to the Kaaba. Among them are 3,372 Hujjaj Karam, including 242 pilgrims from Ladakh, who are scheduled to fly from Srinagar, while the total number of pilgrims from the region stands at 3,622.
According to facilitators, the first flight took off today, and flights will continue until May 15, excluding May 5 and 6 when no departures are scheduled.
For many pilgrims, the journey is deeply emotional. Malik Abrar Altaf, overwhelmed with gratitude, said, “I can’t describe my emotions. Hajj means journey. Allah called us, and we are going. I hope Allah has mercy on us and brings peace to Kashmir. Islam is peace—we pray for it.”
Another pilgrim reflected on the significance of the Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for Muslims. Moved by the recent Pahalgam terror attack, he vowed to pray for the region’s healing. “This is the biggest day of my life. We will offer duas for Kashmir and pray for Pahalgam,” he said.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who visited Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday, extended his congratulations and best wishes to departing Hajj pilgrims. “The arrangements are smooth. Around 400 people are leaving today,” he said, noting the support of the Deputy Chief of Mission from Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in the week, the Minister had also wished well to over 1.22 lakh Indian pilgrims undertaking the holy journey, with the first flights departing from Lucknow and Hyderabad.
