Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103155521400.htm

National

J & K Haj pilgrims leave for Mecca

KASHMIR: The first batch of 166 Haj pilgrims including 75 women from Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday left for holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia by a special Air India flight, officials said. The pilgrims were seen off by Governor N.N. Vohra and other senior officers of the state government. Mr. Vohra also interacted with pilgrims and inquired about the facilities being provided to them, the officials said.

The pilgrims also completed all formalities including immigration check, change of currency and luggage check besides offering special thanksgiving prayers at the Haj house. At the Haj House the relatives bid tearful farewell to the pilgrims who would be staying in Saudi Arabia during the holy trip. Authorities had made adequate arrangements for smooth departure of over 8,000 pilgrims , Executive Officer of State Haj Committee Abdul Rashid Mir said. Mr.Mir said there will be one flight daily from October 30 to November 12 and two flights daily from November 13 to November 25. — PTI