Haj panel seeks applications for Mecca pilgrimage next year
Those interested in the pilgrimage can submit online applications through the official Haj portal (hajcommittee.gov.in) or via the 'Haj Suvidha' app.
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The application window will remain open till July 31, said an official announcement.
T
he Haj committee advised prospective pilgrims to carefully read the guidelines and undertakings before submitting their forms. It said a machine-readable Indian passport is a prerequisite for the application. The passport must be issued on or before the closing date of application and remain valid at least until Dec 31, 2026.
The committee said that cancellation on any ground — except in case of death or grave medical illness of the pilgrim — would attract penalties and may result in financial loss to the applicant.
"Earlier a separate circular issued from the Haj committee suggested to keep Rs 1.5 lakh ready for first instalment of the pilgrimage package, apart from the mandatory passport," the official said.
Haj pilgrims from Odisha, who had gone to Mecca this year, have begun returning. The first batch of Haj pilgrims, comprising 28 members, reached the Kolkata airport last week. In May, 390 pilgrims had left for Mecca.
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