New Delhi, April 30 (H.S.): Flights for Hajj pilgrimage have started from Indira Gandhi International Airport since Wednesday. The first batch of Hajj pilgrims departed for Medina on Saudi Airlines flight SV 3079. A farewell ceremony was organized at Terminal 3 by the Delhi State Hajj Committee, where Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju was present to bid farewell to the pilgrims. He welcomed the Hajj pilgrims with flower garlands and bid them farewell.
On this occasion, the Chairperson of the Delhi State Hajj Committee, Kauser Jahan, and from the Saudi Embassy in India, Jadi Naif Al Rakkas, along with CPS Bakshi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Government of India, were also present.
Kauser Jahan welcomed the Minority Affairs Minister and congratulated all the guests and the Hajj pilgrims in her welcome speech.
On this occasion, Kiren Rijiju addressed all the Hajj pilgrims, extending good wishes for a pleasant Hajj journey on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, himself, and his ministry. Ashfaq Ahmad Arfi, Executive Officer of the Delhi State Hajj Committee, informed that flights of Saudi Airlines will continue from April 30 to May 30.
In today’s first flight, a total of 399 Hajj pilgrims along with two state Hajj inspectors for assistance also departed for Medina, where they will stay for eight days before being sent to Mecca. After completing the Hajj process in Mecca, their return will be from Jeddah.
According to Arfi, unlike previous years, this year the Hajj pilgrimage is occurring in both phases from Delhi. The first phase will see all flights to Medina from April 30 to May 15, while in the second phase, all flights will depart for Jeddah from May 16 to May 30. This year, a total of 38 flights from Saudi Airlines will transport 16,000 Hajj pilgrims from Delhi Embarkation Point for the Hajj journey.
The Delhi State Hajj Committee has made arrangements for air-conditioned Hajj camps at Ram Leela Maidan for the accommodation of incoming pilgrims. Air-conditioned buses have also been arranged to transport the pilgrims from the Hajj camp to the airport.
The Hajj Manzil office of the Delhi State Hajj Committee located at Turkman Gate has also arranged for various banks and currency exchange agencies to provide Saudi currency Riyals to Hajj pilgrims, where they can obtain Saudi Riyals at reasonable rates.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
