Haj Committee Mum On Haj 2021 Pilgrimage

Hyderabad, March 5: Telangana State Haj Committee (TSHC) doubtful sending Haj pilgrimage aspirants to perform Haj 2021 from the State.

Haj Committee of India collected around 3,900 applications as of now.

So far there is no word from the Haj Committee of India on the Haj pilgrims’ quota for the year 2021.

The State Haj Committee has received 3,900 applications from aspirants this year. Drop-in number of applications to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on people above 65 years and those below 18 years, on undertaking the pilgrimage.

“Only pilgrims between 18 and 65 years of age were asked to apply in view of the prevailing situation. So there is a drop in the applications.

Now those who have applied are enquiring about the commencement of the Haj pilgrimage process,” said Masiullah Khan.

The TSHC conducts orientation programs for the selected Haj pilgrims as per the draw of lots is held. “We are ready with the plan. Once the selection of Haj aspirants is completed, the orientation classes will be organized,” he added.

The Union government informed the Saudi Arabia government that it is ready to vaccinate all those heading for Haj pilgrimage from the country.

Still, there is no word on quota and other related issues from Saudi Arabia in view of the prevailing situation, officials maintained. Haj was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage this year is scheduled from July 17 to 22.

The Haj is a costly air this year with the Union government scrapping the Haj subsidy and due to the pandemic social distancing norms are being followed at hotels and other accommodations and during travel.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will allow only those people to attend the haj this year who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

 

In 2020, the kingdom dramatically reduced the number of pilgrims to around 1,000 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, after barring Muslims abroad from the rite for the first time in modern times.

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