First Haj flight takes off from Bengaluru

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The first batch of Haj pilgrims who took off from Bengaluru on Thursday, have begun preparing for their 40-day pilgrimage after reaching Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, officials at Haj Bhavan said on Friday.

There were three flights arranged on Thursday and the first flight carried 285 Hajis from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

"As many as 10,132 pilgrims have registered to depart from Karnataka for Haj this year," Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Haj Committee, Sarfaraz Khan said.

Chief Imam and Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, Mohammed Maqsood Imran Rashadi held a special prayer for the pilgrims at Haj Bhavan around 5:30 am before they left for their journey to the holy place.

The Haj Bhavan has made necessary arrangements to provide accomodation and food for the pilgrims until their departure. Like every year, the Bhavan also provides transport for them to reach the KIA Airport.

"We are thankful to the governments for extending us all necessary help. There were three flights arranged for the pilgrims on the first day," Cabinet Minister for Housing, Waqf and Minority affairs Zameer Ahmed said.

He further said that the inauguration was done in a simple manner as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could not attend the event due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).