Latest news with #Haj2026
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Haj committee initiates shorter pilgrimage option for 2026
PTI photo / File MUMBAI: In a significant move, Haj Committee of India (HCOI) has, for the first time, introduced a shorter 20-day Haj package for pilgrims. This new option is part of the guidelines released for Haj 2026. A maximum of 10,000 pilgrims will be allotted slots for this condensed pilgrimage. The remaining pilgrims travelling through HCOI will follow traditional 40-45 day schedule. Should applications for short-duration Haj exceed the 10,000 limit, a lottery system will be used for selection. The deadline for submitting Haj 2026 application forms is July 31. India's total Haj quota stands at approximately 1,75,000 pilgrims, with 1,25,000 embarking through HCOI and the remaining 50,000 opting for private tour operators. Pilgrims will pay the same fare as those on the 40-45 day trip, as chartered planes and accommodation are booked in advance. The 'short duration Haj' will be available from seven points: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Delhi Hajj Committee begin registration for Hajj 2026
New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): Kausan Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi Hajj Committee, informed that registrations for Hajj 2026 commenced on July 7 and will conclude on July 31. The passports of the applicants should be valid until December 2026. As per the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the committee is committed to providing the best facilities to the Hajj pilgrims. 'Registration for Haj 2026 has begun. It will go on from 7 July to 31 July... The passports of applicants should be valid till 31 December 2026... The committee, as per the instructions of PM Narendra Modi, is committed to providing the best facilities to Haj pilgrims', Kausar Jahan told ANI. On July 4, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that the Union Government will begin accepting applications for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026 within a week, urging pilgrims to ensure timely submissions of documents to avoid future complications ahead of the pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters, Rijiju outlined the preparations and new measures to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage process, emphasising digitalisation and adherence to deadlines set by the Saudi Arabian government. 'Within a week, we will start accepting Haj applications for 2026... I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future. The Saudi Arabian government has set many strict deadlines,' Rijiju stated. In Islam, every individual must fulfil five duties (pillars), of which Hajj is one. This year, the Hajj was performed between June 4 and June 9 in Saudi Arabia. The first batch of annual Hajj pilgrims from India started in early May. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a total of 1,22,518 hajj pilgrims undertook the sacred journey, with the first flights departing from Lucknow and Hyderabad. (ANI)
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Will start accepting Haj applications for 2026 within a week": Union Minister Rijiju
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday announced that the Union Government will begin accepting applications for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026 within a week, urging pilgrims to ensure timely submissions of documents to avoid future complications ahead of the pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters, Rijiju outlined the preparations and new measures to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage process, emphasising digitalisation and adherence to deadlines set by the Saudi Arabian government. 'Within a week, we will start accepting Haj applications for 2026... I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future. The Saudi Arabian government has set many strict deadlines,' Rijiju stated. He directed tour operators to strictly adhere to the timelines and instructed the Haj Committee of India to deposit payments to the Saudi government before the deadline, ensuring compliance with international requirements. Rijiju also addressed several logistical and policy considerations for the upcoming Haj, noting separate accommodations for men and women during the pilgrimage and that a companion was mandatory for pilgrims above the age of 65 years. 'I strictly instruct the tour operators to adhere to the set timelines. I have directed the Haj Committee of India to deposit the payment to the Saudi Arabian government before the deadline... I have been given suggestions regarding the accommodations. We are considering the request for separate accommodations for men and women... A companion is mandatory to look after pilgrims above 65 years of age. We will also offer an option for a short Haj,' he added. He also stated that the entire process will be digital and that food choices will also be tailored to regional preferences. 'The entire process will be digital... We will provide food choices state-wise so that pilgrims can eat food to their taste,' the Union Minister added. Earlier today, during the Haj review meeting, Rijiju said, 'Haj 2025 was one of the most successful ever.' 'We will build on this success to ensure an even more seamless experience in 2026,' he affirmed. In a post on X, the Ministry of Minority Affairs stated that the meeting reviewed the smooth conduct of Haj 2025 and initiated early preparations for Haj 2026. 'A record low number of deaths during this Haj was noted as a major achievement,' the post added. Deliberations focused on improving inter-ministerial coordination, enhancing logistics and pilgrim support, learning from Haj 2025 to innovate for Haj 2026 and strengthening digital, health and on-ground infrastructure for Indian Haj pilgrims for the next year. (ANI)
