Saudi government ups Haj quota by 20,000 for Indian pilgrims

It appears that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Saudi Arabia has yielded a positive outcome for the members of the Muslim community planning to perform the Haj.

Hajis bid farewell to their near and dear ones before leaving for Saudi Arabia. Pic for representation

It has been learnt that the Saudi Arabian government has increased the quota of Indian pilgrims visiting Mecca by 20,000 for 2016. The final number now stands at 98,820. Accordingly, 8,500 pilgrims from Mumbai will go on Haj from September 9 to 14 - a sharp rise of 2,000 in comparison to last year's 6,500 pilgrims.

Ibrahim Shaikh, chairperson for Maharashtra state Haj Committee said, "Reports of visas being delayed because of technical problems are untrue. Passports are with the Saudi embassy and the visas are expected by end of this month. The first flight will leave at 10.30 pm from T2 on August 27. A total of 420 pilgrims from Mumbai will travel on that day in 10 different flights to Saudi Arabia."

"There are two packages, which the pilgrims can avail. While one costs R1,83,000, the other one is worth R2,13,000. The amount has to be paid in two instalments. We recently received the schedule and the accommodations have been fixed," added Shaikh.

Explaining the importance of dates from a pilgrim's viewpoint, Islamic scholar Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali said, "The dates 8 to 13 in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, are auspicious for Haj. People make plans in advance as it is a religious duty."