LG flags off first batch from Sgr Int’l Airport
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims of the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir from Srinagar International Airport.
The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims and extended his greetings and best wishes for a safe pilgrimage and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience.
He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all.
“I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to pilgrims undertaking the sacred Haj journey. The divine pilgrimage is a call from almighty and a cherished and life-long dream. The central government is committed to ensure best possible arrangements for the well-being of pilgrims and their sacred pilgrimage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
This year, around 3622 pilgrims from Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir will perform Haj pilgrimage. Srinagar International Airport is scheduled to operate 11 flights between 4th to 15th May 2025, facilitating approximately 3132 Haj pilgrims from J&K, and 242 from UT of Ladakh.
The Haj pilgrims will be received by the Consulate General of India, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI, at Jeddah. The Lieutenant Governor also recognised and appreciated the support by all the stakeholders for successful organisation of holy pilgrimage.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam and members of J&K Haj Committee, senior officers of Airport Authority, Civil and Police administration were present on the occasion.
Tears, prayers, and heartfelt farewells marked an emotional morning at the Haj House in Bemina as the first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir began their spiritual journey to the holy city of Makkah on Sunday.
As morning rose in Srinagar city, families gathered to bid goodbye to their loved ones, many of whom were undertaking the sacred pilgrimage for the first time.
Dr. Shujhat Quershi, Executive Officer (EO) of J&K Haj Committee, Bemina Srinagar informed that among the 178 pilgrims are 96 men and 82 women, all traveling in accordance with religious requirements.
He said the first flight, under number SG-5304, is scheduled to take off from Srinagar International Airport later today.
“Pilgrims were asked to report to Haj House between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM, where final preparations were made,” Dr. Shujhat said.
At the Bemina Haj House in Srinagar, emotions were running high, and tears were streaming down from every eye as people came to bid farewell to their beloved.
“We have waited our whole life for this moment. I only pray that Allah accepts our Hajj and blesses our families,” said a resident from Srinagar who was about to depart for the blessed journey.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, had earlier visited the Haj House to oversee the arrangements and ensure smooth coordination for the departure.
Certainly, this year, over 3,600 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are expected to perform Hajj under the government quota, and authorities have advised all pilgrims to strictly follow airline guidelines, particularly regarding standard baggage and restricted items.
For many, the departure was not just a journey of miles but a leap of faith.
“My mother has been dreaming of this day for decades,” said another man, who accompanied his family member to the departure point.
“Watching her board the bus was both heart-wrenching and beautiful,” he said.
Notably, as buses started moving towards the airport, the air was filled with chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” a call to the divine, echoing through the chilly Srinagar morning. (With inputs from KNO)
