Srinagar
The first batch of 820 pilgrims from Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The special buses arranged by the authorities from the Srinagar Hajj House in Bemina area took the pilgrims to the Srinagar International airport early on Saturday.
Authorities said four Air India flights will be carrying them to the West Asian nation. The last flight of Hajj pilgrims will leave on July 25.
After an additional quota of 250 seats was allowed to the state by the All India Hajj Committee, over 10,000 pilgrims from the state would perform this year’s pilgrimage.
The first flight carrying the pilgrims will return here on August 25 and the last on September 7.
Earlier, an official said that all arrangements of transportation, boarding, and lodging, luggage checking and security at Srinagar Hajj House and hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, Nimaz, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding pass at the Srinagar Airport are in place for the Hajj pilgrims (Agencies).
