So first group of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are finally back home . Saw the news about their arrival on June 2 and it’s just so good to see.
This first flight had 144 pilgrims,and it was nice that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other officials were there at Srinagar International Airport to welcome them . This is just the beginning of return phase ah.
In total,4,641 pilgrims from region went for the sacred journey this year . That includes 2,583 men and 2,058 women. Not a small number at all.
And Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has said that these return flights will keep coming until June 16 . They are expecting 3,952 pilgrims to return through Srinagar embarkation point,with most being from Jammu and Kashmir (3,631) and some 321 from Ladakh as well. Even one pilgrim from Punjab is arriving at Srinagar .
And honestly,it’s good to hear they have made proper arrangements at the airport. Things like transport,medical help,and special help desks are all set up for the arriving pilgrims .
Few things to note about the logistics:
- Reception arrangements at Srinagar Airport are in place with transport and medical assistance.
- Relatives have to download vehicle passes from Hajj Committee website two days before flight.
- Authorities are managing baggage and transport even with ongoing runway maintenance at the airport.
But not everyone is returning directly to Srinagar . Officials said that 1,061 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will come back through other cities . Like 1,010 via Delhi,49 via Mumbai,and 2 via Bengaluru. That must be a whole different coordination challenge.
The Hajj Committee seems to be trying to manage everything smoothly,especially with the runway maintenance causing some operational issues . They are telling pilgrims and families to use the official Hajj Committee of India portal or the Haj Suvidha app for all the real-time flight updates.
It’s always such a huge moment when family members return from this journey . With so many people coming back over next few weeks,just hoping everything goes smoothly for every single family waiting…
