The Haj pilgrimage from India for the year 2026 is set to commence tomorrow, with the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia from various embarkation points across the country. The Ministry of Minority Affairs said that over 1 lakh 75 thousand pilgrims are expected to undertake the sacred pilgrimage of Haj.

 

Responding to the occasion, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and comfortable Haj experience. He highlighted that the Ministry has undertaken several new initiatives this year to further enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

 

Key initiatives introduced this year include enhanced digital facilitation through the Haj Suvidha App and the deployment of Haj Suvidha Smart Wristbands to help locate missing pilgrims and provide assistance. A short-duration Haj option of around 20 days has also been introduced for the first time, offering greater flexibility to pilgrims.

 

The Ministry said that the government accords the highest priority to the welfare and well-being of Haj pilgrims. It added that close coordination with Saudi authorities has been maintained to ensure efficient arrangements throughout the pilgrimage period. The Ministry has advised pilgrims to adhere to all guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities, including health and travel advisories, to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Haj.