Qataris who wish to perform umrah can go to the kingdom via any airlines except Qatar Airways and through any flight routes to the kingdom except through Doha.

:: Nearly 8100 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir would perform Haj this year and the first batch which is carrying nearly 800 passengers, has left for Saudi Arabia today.

The annual pilgrimage of Haj begins today and eight hundred and forty passengers left from Haj House in Srinagar to board a flight to Jeddah from the Srinagar Airport.

Speaking to ANI, Qamar Sajad, Chief Executive Officer HAJ Committee Srinagar, said, “As many as 8,100 pilgrims will perform Haj this year, for which the first batch in two flights will depart from Srinagar airport to the holy city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. This process will continue till August 3,”

Sajad also said that different arrangements have been made this time, with special arrangements being made for people and high-end vehicles being hired for convenient traveling.

Even the pilgrims traveling to Haj seem to be satisfied with the arrangements made. “We are very pleased with the arrangements made. The helpers are helping us. There are separate provisions for women, I pray to Allah that all of us have a safe and successful trip”, one of the pilgrims said.

Last year, nearly 6500 people traveled to Haj, but this time the Haj quota for Jammu and Kashmir was increased.

According to Islam, it’s compulsory that Muslims must travel to Hajj at least once during their lifetime.

First Haj flight from India Arrive at Jeddah

The first Haj flight with 420 pilgrims aboard took off from here on Tuesday for Saudi Arabia.

Although the first Haj flight was scheduled to leave at 9 a.m., it got delayed and took off at 10.05 a.m. for Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Haj and Auqaf Minister Farooq Andrabi saw off the pilgrims at the Srinagar international airport.

Mehbooba requested the pilgrims to pray for peace and prosperity in the Jammu and Kashmir.

The second direct flight from Srinagar to Medina carrying another 420 pilgrims will leave at 11.35 a.m. on Tuesday.

Officials said two direct flights carrying 840 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia will operate daily from Tuesday till August 5.

This year, 8,106 pilgrims are scheduled to perform the holiest Muslim pilgrimage of Haj from Jammu and Kashmir.

Two assistants, especially trained by the Haj committee, are accompanying the pilgrims in each flight.

At least 40 such assistants called ‘Khudam-ul-Hujaaz’ will remain on duty with pilgrims during this year’s Haj.

The pilgrims have been advised not to carry in the flight intoxicating agents such as tobacco, snuff and medicines containing high content of alcohol.