First Hajj Flights Depart from Srinagar as Over 3,300 Pilgrims Begin Sacred Journey to Mecca

The first group of Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar has begun their sacred journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba – a deeply significant religious duty in Islam.

According to officials, at least 3,372 Hujjaj Karam – an honourable title given to Hajj pilgrims – are departing from Srinagar today. A dedicated facilitator shared that today marks the beginning of the scheduled flights, while the final batch will leave by 15 May.

“There are a total of 3,622 Hujjaj Karam this year,” the facilitator told ANI, “Out of these, 3,372 pilgrims are travelling from Srinagar. This number includes 242 pilgrims from Ladakh who are also flying from Srinagar. Today is the first flight. There will be no flights on 5 or 6 May, but daily flights will continue thereafter until 15 May.”

Among the departing pilgrims is Malik Abrar Altaf, who struggled to hold back emotion as he prepared for the spiritual journey. “It’s hard to express how I feel,” he said. “Hajj is a journey, and it’s one that Allah has chosen us to take. I will pray for peace in Kashmir – our land that has seen so much turmoil. Islam means peace, and we’ll pray for peace across the world.”

Another pilgrim echoed similar sentiments, calling this the biggest day of his life. “Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims,” he shared. “My heart is heavy for Kashmir and the pain it endures. We’ll especially pray for Pahalgam, after the recent terror attack.”

In Delhi, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, visited the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday to send off pilgrims with his best wishes.

“I’m here to congratulate the Haj Yatris,” he told reporters. “Today, around 400 people will depart. The arrangements have been handled well.” He also acknowledged the presence of the Deputy Chief of Mission from Saudi Arabia, who joined in the send-off.

Earlier this week, Minister Rijiju had also extended his heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey this year. The very first flights had taken off from Lucknow with 288 pilgrims and Hyderabad with 262 pilgrims on board.

As these pilgrims embark on this deeply spiritual journey, they carry with them prayers not just for themselves, but for peace and healing in Kashmir and across the world.