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Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Yogi govt takes note of fall in Haj applications, plans to raise numbers
Concerned over the gap between the number of applications and Uttar Pradesh's allocated quota over the last few years, the Yogi Adityanath government is gearing up to increase the number of applications for Haj-2026. Haj is a key pillar of Islam and performing this pilgrimage is obligatory for adherents of the faith. (FILE PHOTO) Only 13,000 applications have been received for Haj-2026 so far though Uttar Pradesh's quota for the same is around 30,000. The last date for submission of applications has been extended by seven days till August 7. Last year, 15,000 Haj applications were received against a quota of 30,000 and 13,600 individuals went on the pilgrimage. In 2024, around 17,000 Haj applications were received from the state. The number was 26,000 in 2023. Haj is a key pillar of Islam and performing this pilgrimage is obligatory for adherents of the faith. 'The last date to apply for Haj 2026 was July 31, 2025 but we wrote a letter to the Centre, after which the last date has been extended by a week. So far, we have received around 13,000 applications but we are hopeful that this number will increase,' said Danish Azad Ansari, Uttar Pradesh's minister of state for minority welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj. The efforts made to increase the numbers range from reaching out to clerics to running social media campaigns, according to Ansari, who is also the state Haj committee chairman. In India, the Haj quota is for 1,75,000 people, with 1,25,000 going through the Haj Committee of India and 50,000 through private tours and travels. Ansari said, 'We are working to increase the number of applications. First, we made a team of the UP State Haj Committee members go to various districts and make people aware of the importance of Haj. Our team members also met some of the Hajis who went for Haj earlier this year. They have also met key people in mosques along with religious leaders.' 'Second, we are also taking help of social and print media to create more awareness about Haj in order to increase participation. We are encouraging all those who can afford to go for Haj. Also, the rates of Haj, which were around (Rs) 3,80,000 in 2022 were reduced to (Rs) 3,37,000 in 2025 for all those who took their flights from Lucknow,' Ansari added. 'For the first time, a 'mini-Haj' of 20 days (instead of 45 days) is being introduced in India, which will be a boon for young professionals, businessmen and those who can't stay away from home for 45 days. The cost of this mini Haj is not yet finalised by the Haj Committee of India. The main benefit of this mini-Haj will be saving time even after including all the key aspects of Haj,' Ansari added. The destinations from where one can apply for mini-Haj include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. India has been allotted a quota of 10,000 for mini-Haj. Applicants will be selected by lottery if there are more applications than the quota. In case of not being selected for mini-Haj, the applicant will be allowed to travel in the general category, but the flight destination will be decided as per mini-Haj. The option of mini-Haj cannot be changed once selected. The mini Haj- 2026 will be costlier than the normal Haj. However, the Haj Committee of India, Mumbai, has not provided information regarding the cost yet. In 2025, the Haj cost from Lucknow in the general category (40 days) was ₹3,37,350 and from Delhi, it was ₹3,27,400. Many clerics believe an increase in the Umrah culture in recent years is a potential reason for the decline in Haj applications. Umrah can be done at any time of the year, unlike Haj which has set dates. In a recent video appeal, Dr Imam Umer Amed Ilyasi of the All India Imam Organisation said, 'I would like to appeal to all Muslims that Haj is a responsibility and it is mandatory for those who are in a position to afford it. If they have finances and can do it, then they should do it and Umrah is just a form of prayer. The importance of Haj remains intact. These days people are opting for Umrah as it's less costly than Haj. One should not confuse Umrah with Haj in any way.' The people going to Haj in 2026 from Uttar Pradesh will have a dedicated round the clock helpline. Ansari said, 'We are going to form a Quick Response Team (QRT), which will monitor the situation round the clock and will provide solutions to the Hajis in case they face any issues.'
India.com
26-07-2025
- India.com
Hajj Yatra: Saudi government makes big change in Hajj pilgrimage rules, married couple will not be allowed to....
Hajj- File image Hajj pilgrimage 2026: In a significant update for Hajj pilgrims, the Saudi Arabia government has announced new rules for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Under the recently announced 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, husbands and wives will no longer be allowed to stay in the same room. As per the rule, Male and female pilgrims will be accommodated separately, and men will not be permitted to enter women's rooms during the pilgrimage. Separating females and males of the family, these new regulations mark a major change in accommodation policy for Hajj. Earlier, the Haj Committee of India used to arrange shared rooms in rented hotels for pilgrims from the same state, often accommodating husbands and wives together depending on room size and availability. Notably, Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, being one of the five pillars of Islam. Delhi Hajj Committee begin registration for Hajj 2026 In another important update for the Hajj pilgrims, Kausan Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi Hajj Committee informed that registrations for Hajj 2026 commenced on July 7 and will conclude on July 31. As per the rules of the committee, the passports of the applicants should be valid until December 2026. Notably, 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. As per a report by ANI news agency, 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. (With inputs from agencies)
News18
21-07-2025
- News18
What Is The 20-Day Short Hajj Package? Who Is Eligible & How To Apply? Explained
Last Updated: Hajj 2026: The Haj Committee of India has announced a 20-day Short Hajj Package for 2026. Up to 10,000 pilgrims will be chosen by random ballot. Registration is open from July 7-31 In a first, the Haj Committee of India (HCOI) has introduced a 20 day 'Short Hajj Package' for 2026. According to reports, the package covers travel, minimum stay in Makkah and Madinah, and the core Hajj ritual s in 20 days. Instead of the 40-45 day usual pilgrimage, the shorter package is aimed at offering pilgrims more flexibility while completing all obligatory rites. Here's all you need to know. Hajj Pilgrimage: One Of 5 Key Pillars Of Islam The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam and holds deep spiritual and religious significance for Muslims. It is an obligation for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage involves a series of sacred rituals over several days, such as circling the Kaaba (Tawaf), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah (Sa'i), standing in prayer at the plain of Arafat (Wuquf), stoning symbolic pillars representing the devil, and sacrificing an animal to commemorate the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). These acts reflect humility, devotion, and submission to God. Hajj symbolizes equality, as pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) that erase social and economic distinctions, uniting Muslims from all backgrounds. The 20-Day Short Hajj Package It is available to Indian pilgrims only—up to 10,000 pilgrims will be selected via Qurrah (random ballot) at the time of application, if demand exceeds availability, according to TOI report. Operated From: Offered via select embarkation cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. The chosen option cannot be changed post submission. Who Is Offering Short Hajj Package? Examples of tour operators offering the package include: Talbiya Umrah Pvt Ltd lists both 20-day shifting and 20-day non-shifting packages starting around Rs 6.5 lakh per person. Dayare Haram's 'Hajj Short Package (Shifting)' spans 19–20 days, with shared accommodation starting around Rs 6.95 lakh. Mubarak Travels' 'Express Shifting' is a 20-day package with 4-star hotels and VIP services, although at higher price points (Rs 11–12 lakh). How Can Indians Register For Hajj 2026? Key Registration Dates July 7-July 31, 2025 (until 11:59 PM IST) Eligibility & Requirements: Valid passport: Must be a machine readable Indian passport, issued on or before July 31, 2025, and valid at least until December 31, 2026. Only those who have not previously performed Hajj with HCoI are eligible. Pilgrims aged 65 or above must be accompanied by a companion. Male aged 18-60 Female (if no Mehram) aged 45-60. How to Apply? Submit applications online only via: Haj Committee of India official portal at or 'Haj Suvidha" mobile app. Create an account using valid personal, contact, and passport information. Required Documents Passport (first & last pages), recent passport-size photo, cancelled cheque or bank passbook in Cover Head's name, address proof (Aadhaar, election card, utility bill, etc.) Payment And Cancellation No processing fee charged during registration Keep Rs 1.5 lakh ready for the first installment of the pilgrimage package. Cancellations (except due to death or serious illness) lead to penalties and financial loss. Selection Process and Quotas HCoI's 2026 quota allows 175,025 pilgrims. While 70% is managed by HCoI, 30% is allotted to private Haj Group Organizers (HGOs). If applications exceed quota, priority is given in this order: Age 65+ Women under 65 without Mehram General category Seat allocation via computerized Qurrah (draw of lots) and waiting list formation Travel Logistics & Embarkation top videos View all Pilgrims must select two preferred embarkation points (EPs) from up to 20 Indian cities: e.g. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, etc. About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Annual Hajj Pilgrimage Hajj hajj pilgrimage view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:53 IST News explainers What Is The 20-Day Short Hajj Package? Who Is Eligible & How To Apply? Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- 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.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Haj panel seeks applications for Mecca pilgrimage next year
Bhubaneswar: Haj Committee of India has begun inviting applications for the pilgrimage to Mecca in 2026, said a state Haj committee official on Wednesday. Those interested in the pilgrimage can submit online applications through the official Haj portal ( or via the 'Haj Suvidha' app. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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.
