First Batch Of Haj 2026 With 371 Pilgrims Departs For Mecca From New Delhi.

New Delhi; April 2026: The first batch of Haj 2026, carrying 371 pilgrims, departed for Mecca today (18th April 2026) from New Delhi, marking the commencement of the annual pilgrimage season from India. The pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from Indira Gandhi International Airport in the presence of Delhi Haj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan.

Commemorating this year’s pilgrimage, Kausar Jahan briefed the media reporters that, “Today marks the first flight of Haj 2026, with 371 pilgrims embarking on their journey. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone”. She further added, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister

Modi, all facilities are continuously being expanded, and our government is making every effort to ensure that their journey is as smooth, pleasant, and easy as possible”. Highlighting the significance of the arrangements, she said that coordinated efforts are being made to support the pilgrims throughout the process. Officials were present at the airport to oversee the departure and ensure that all formalities were completed smoothly.

Mohammed Jishan, a pilgrim while expressing his emotions before the departure from the IGI Airport has said, “I just can’t express it. The best thing is that Allah has called me, may Allah accept my prayers, and most of all, one should have patience. Whoever goes there should have patience first. And help each other. And may this moment come again and again in everyone’s life”.

Another pilgrim, Mohhamad Kasim, said, “Only fortunate people get the opportunity to live this moment. We are all very emotional. I will pray for peace and unity. I thank the government of India for making very good arrangements for us”.

Families of the pilgrims were seen emotionally bidding farewell at the airport as the first batch began its journey. Many expressed hope for a smooth pilgrimage and highlighted the spiritual importance of the occasion as well as the arrangements made by authorities. The departure of the first batch officially marks the beginning of the Haj 2026 pilgrimage operations from India.

As reported by Maverick News 30, registration for Haj 2026 well began from 07th July 2025, lasting till July 31st. Kausan Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi Haj Committee had then informed that the passports of the applicants should be valid until December 2026. As per the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the committee is committed to providing the best facilities to the Haj pilgrims.

Earlier, on July 04th last year, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that the Union Government will begin accepting applications for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026 within a week, urging pilgrims to ensure timely submissions of documents to avoid future complications ahead of the pilgrimage. While speaking to reporters, Rijiju outlined the preparations and new measures to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage process, emphasising digitalisation and adherence to deadlines set by the Saudi Arabian government.

“Within a week, we will start accepting Haj applications for 2026… I request people to fill out their applications on time so they do not face any problems in the future. The Saudi Arabian government has set many strict deadlines”, Rijiju had then stated

In Islam, every individual must fulfil five duties (pillars), of which Haj is one. This year (2025), the Haj was performed between June 04 and June 09 in Saudi Arabia. The first batch of annual Haj pilgrims from India started in early May. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a total of 1,22,518 haj pilgrims undertook the sacred journey, with the first flights departing from Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Team Maverick.