First batch of 431 Haj pilgrims leaves from J&K, CM Omar Abdullah sees them off at airport

The first batch of 431 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, marking the beginning of this year’s Haj pilgrimage from the Union Territory. The pilgrims were seen off at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah , officials said.

The group comprised 230 men and 201 women , who travelled in three flights from Srinagar after completing formalities at the Haj House in Bemina. Authorities had made elaborate arrangements for transportation, baggage handling, medical screening and documentation to ensure a smooth departure process for the pilgrims.

Hundreds of family members and well-wishers gathered outside the Haj House to bid emotional farewell to the pilgrims. Homes of many pilgrims witnessed relatives and neighbours visiting since early morning, offering prayers and blessings before their departure for the sacred journey.

Officials said 4,764 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to perform Haj this year. Of them, around 3,900 will depart from the Srinagar embarkation point , while others will travel via Mumbai and New Delhi .

The chief minister interacted with the pilgrims at the airport and wished them a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey , urging them to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He also directed officials to ensure seamless coordination and adequate assistance for all departing batches in the coming days.

Officials from the Haj Committee said 28 flights are scheduled to operate from Srinagar to Madinah during the pilgrimage season. For the first time, about 160 pilgrims from the region have opted for a short-duration Haj , under which they are expected to return within about 20 days after completing the rituals.

The departure of the first batch formally marks the start of Haj 2026 travel operations from Kashmir, with authorities making extensive logistical, security and facilitation arrangements to ensure a smooth journey for thousands of pilgrims in the weeks ahead.