The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Telangana left for Jeddah Sunday.
A Saudi Airlines flight carrying 350 pilgrims took off at 11.30 a.m. from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamsabad.
Earlier, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali flagged off the buses carrying the pilgrims at the Haj House at Nampally in the heart of the city.
Clad in 'Ihram' or special white clothing for Haj and amid chanting of prayers, the pilgrims boarded the buses after completing customs, luggage and immigration formalities.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Haj House as relatives of pilgrims and well wishers bid adieu to them with request to pray for them at the holy places.
This is the first Haj after the formation of the Telangana state. About 6,000 pilgrims from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka are leaving for Haj by 18 flights of Saudi Airlines to be operated till Sep 22.
Over 400 pilgrims from Chittoor and Anatapur districts of Andhra Pradesh will fly from Bangalore.
Over 1.36 lakh Indians will perform Haj this year. The Haj rituals begin in the first week of October.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app