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Short 20-day Hajj package introduced for 150 pilgrims from J&K

  • Ovaise Gul By Ovaise Gul
  • Comments 0
  • 09 Apr 2026

All arrangements finalised, orientation, vaccination completed: Executive Officer

Srinagar, Apr 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee has extended a special offer to nearly 150 pilgrims from the region intending to perform the sacred journey this year, offering a 20-day pilgrimage package, significantly shorter than the usual 40- to 51-day journey.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to commence from April 18, with a total of 4,707 pilgrims set to embark from the Union Territory.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Qureshi, said the total number of Haj aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rise compared to last year. "While initially 5,217 pilgrims were selected for Hajj 2026, the number has now reduced to 4,707 after several individuals opted for cancellation due to various personal and logistical reasons, including health, domestic issues, financial constraints, and others," he said.

He informed that a few initiatives have been taken this year, including the short Hajj pilgrimage lasting only 20 days. A total of 150 Hajj aspirants are scheduled to embark on the short journey from the region, while others will undertake the pilgrimage lasting 45 to 51 days.

Dr Qureshi added that all necessary arrangements, including orientation and vaccination of pilgrims, have been completed, with pilgrims set to embark from April 18. Comprehensive orientation sessions have been conducted to familiarise pilgrims with the rituals and logistics of the sacred journey, and health authorities have ensured all selected pilgrims receive mandatory vaccinations well in advance of departure.

Giving further details, Dr Qureshi said pilgrims have paid approximately ₹4.8 lakh, including Qurbani. He said new initiatives introduced this year include separate accommodation for male and female pilgrims, and cooking will not be permitted. He also shared that 17 ladies are embarking on the journey without a mahram (male guardian).

The officer appealed to Hajj pilgrims to pray for peace and to carry less weight this year. "Although the present West Asia situation will not impact the Hajj pilgrims, the only difficulties that can be faced are a one-hour delay at Delhi Airport due to repair work at Srinagar International Airport. The runway is short at Srinagar International Airport, and it won't be possible to carry heavy weight, which may lead to a one-hour delay at Delhi Airport," he added.

The number of pilgrims embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage has reduced from 12,067 in 2023 to just 4,707 in 2026. A total of 7,008 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh performed Hajj in 2024, while 3,606 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir embarked on the annual pilgrimage in 2025.

 

 

 

 

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