Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010551940400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

First batch of Haj pilgrims returns

CHENNAI: The first batch of 302 Haj pilgrims from Tamil Nadu returned to Chennai on Sunday, a release issued by the Tamil Nadu State Hajj Committee said. They were welcomed by J.M. Aaron Rashid, MP and chairman, K. Allaudin, executive officer, and other members of the committee.

The rest of the 4259 pilgrims, who left for Mecca between November 20 and December 1 from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar islands, would return to Chennai subsequently up to January 15.

Arrangements to receive them had been made by the committee, the release said. — Special Correspondent