Onlykashmir.in News Desk
SRINAGAR, MAY 04: The first batch of Haj pilgrims from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir departed today from Srinagar International Airport, marking the beginning of the 2025 Haj pilgrimage.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah jointly flagged off the batch, extending their greetings and best wishes to the pilgrims. The dignitaries interacted warmly with the departing pilgrims, praying for their safe journey and spiritually fulfilling Haj.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that Haj is a divine call and a cherished life-long dream, assuring that the government is committed to providing the best arrangements for the pilgrims.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the pilgrims to pray for lasting peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and protection for its people.
Today, 178 pilgrims boarded the first direct flight to Saudi Arabia. In total, around 3,622 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and 242 from Ladakh will perform Haj this year. Srinagar International Airport will operate 11 flights between May 4 and May 15, 2025, to facilitate their travel.
Elaborate arrangements, including transportation, boarding, luggage verification, security screening, refreshments, prayer facilities, and prompt boarding pass issuance, were made at the airport to ensure a smooth departure. The pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India at Jeddah.
Present on the occasion were Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo, members of the J&K Haj Committee, and senior officers from the Civil and Police administration.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude for the seamless arrangements and the support extended by the authorities.
