Only one shoulder bag allowed during Mina-Arafat-Muzdalifah movement
Ovaise Gul
Srinagar, May 18: The Indian Haj Pilgrims’ Office in Makkah has issued strict guidelines for Indian pilgrims regarding luggage during the Mashair movement covering Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, ahead of the core Haj rituals scheduled from May 25 to May 30.
In a circular issued by Vice Consul (Haj) and In-Charge IHPO Makkah, Mohammad Ali Jouher, all State Haj Inspectors (SHIs) have been directed to ensure that each pilgrim carries only one shoulder bag during the movement between the holy sites.
The circular stated that carrying hand-carry bags, trolley bags, or any additional luggage has been strictly prohibited due to the limited space available in camps at Mina and Arafat.
Authorities warned that pilgrims carrying trolley bags would not be allowed to board buses during the Mashair operations.
SHIs have been asked to immediately disseminate the instructions among Haj pilgrims and ensure strict compliance to avoid operational inconvenience and disruption during transportation.
The IHPO said the restrictions were necessary for maintaining smooth, disciplined and well-organised Mashair operations during Haj 2026.