SRINAGAR: The Haj pilgrimage of 2024 saw a significant rise in the number of female pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey without a Mehram (male companion), marking a milestone since the introduction of the Ladies without Mehram category in 2018. According to a statement made in the Rajya Sabha on February 3, 2025, the Ministry of Minority Affairs revealed that a total of 4,558 female pilgrims made the journey without a Mehram, an all-time high for the category, showcasing the growing empowerment and participation of women in religious travel.
The government’s efforts to support pilgrims, especially women, were strengthened by the introduction of the Haj Suvidha App. Launched to enhance the pilgrimage experience, the app provided a range of services including training materials, accommodation details, flight information, baggage tracking, and an emergency helpline. The app also allowed for real-time monitoring of the pilgrimage process, ensuring better coordination and accountability among officials managing operations in Saudi Arabia. More than 78,000 out of 175,025 Indian pilgrims registered on the app during Haj-2024. This initiative notably reduced cases of missing baggage through the use of QR codes and efficiently handled over 8,500 grievances and more than 2,100 SOS calls.
In addition to supporting women pilgrims, the government placed significant emphasis on the well-being of elderly pilgrims, a group particularly vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Minority Affairs ensured that healthcare services were available to all pilgrims, with a special focus on the elderly. Four medical centres in Makkah and one in Madinah, along with 17 dispensaries operated 24/7, providing free consultations, medications, and emergency treatment. A fleet of 24 ambulances was stationed across key locations to ensure rapid response times, especially for elderly pilgrims.
Medical teams conducted daily visits to the accommodations of pilgrims, with an emphasis on health monitoring and immediate response to any emerging concerns. To address the challenges posed by the extreme heat, a hydration program was introduced to keep elderly pilgrims hydrated with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). Special awareness campaigns also educated pilgrims on the dangers of heat stress and the necessary precautions to take, such as staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
Additionally, the government ensured that elderly pilgrims admitted to hospitals had support for performing essential rituals, further facilitating their participation in the spiritual journey despite health challenges.
