CM Omar Abdullah Bids Farewell to First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir
In a heartfelt gesture of goodwill and spiritual solidarity, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday morning accorded a warm send-off to the first batch of Hajj pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia. The farewell took place at the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, where the Chief Minister personally interacted with the pilgrims before their journey to the holy land.
A total of 178 pilgrims from across Jammu and Kashmir boarded the first direct Hajj flight of the season, marking the beginning of the annual spiritual journey known as Haj-e-Baitullah, one of the five pillars of Islam. The pilgrims were visibly moved by the presence of the Chief Minister, who extended his best wishes for their safe travel, good health, and smooth performance of the sacred rites of Hajj (Manasik-e-Hajj).
A Call for Peace and Prosperity
During his interaction, CM Omar Abdullah urged the pilgrims to pray for the peace, prosperity, and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. “As you stand in the holiest of lands, I request you to remember your homeland and its people in your prayers,” he said. “May your pilgrimage be spiritually fulfilling, and may you return with blessings not only for yourselves and your families, but also for the collective good of our region.”
He also expressed hope that the journey would be a source of personal transformation and lasting spiritual enrichment for each of the pilgrims.
High-Level Officials Accompany the CM
The Chief Minister was accompanied by several top officials including his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, among others. Their presence signalled the importance the state administration places on ensuring a smooth and respectful send-off for the pilgrims.
Praise for Efficient Arrangements
The pilgrims and their families expressed gratitude to the state government for the efficient and elaborate arrangements made to facilitate their departure. Facilities at the Hajj House and Srinagar International Airport were praised for their cleanliness, coordination, and comfort.
Key arrangements included:
- Smooth transportation from the Hajj House to the airport
- Boarding and lodging facilities for those staying overnight
- Security screening and luggage verification to ensure safety
- Refreshments, food, and prayer areas at the airport
- Prompt issuance of boarding passes and travel documents
Officials ensured that the pilgrims faced minimal inconvenience during the pre-departure formalities, allowing them to focus on their spiritual journey with peace of mind.
A Spiritual Journey Begins
The departure of the first batch of Hajj pilgrims is always an emotional and deeply spiritual occasion. Family members gathered at the airport to see off their loved ones, offering prayers and tears as they embraced. The scene was filled with the chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” — a declaration of the pilgrims’ readiness to submit to the will of Allah.
With the successful send-off of this first group, preparations continue for subsequent batches of pilgrims who will be leaving in the coming days. The state government, in collaboration with the Central Hajj Committee and local administration, remains committed to ensuring a dignified and seamless experience for all pilgrims.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s personal involvement in bidding farewell to the Hajj pilgrims highlights the deep cultural and spiritual connection that this journey holds for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As these 178 pilgrims begin their sacred path, they carry with them not just their own hopes, but the prayers and aspirations of an entire region seeking peace, unity, and divine blessings.
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