Pilgrims above 65 years to be accompanied by companions, ladies without Mehram to be allowed to travel in groups of 4 women,Haj Suvidha app to guide pilgrims
Srinagar:The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has doled out the Haj-policy 2025 for the pilgrims intending to embark on the sacred journey in year 2025, stating that the pilgrims can perform the Haj through HCoI only once in a lifetime.
According to the draft of new Haj policy 2025, a copy of which is with the news agency—Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the Haj policy 2025 has been approved by the competent authority, after detailed consultations with different stakeholders and taking into account the norms and guidelines received from the King of Saudi Arabia.
As per the new Haj policy-2025, those who have performed Hajj earlier through HCoI will not be eligible to apply. “Haj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involving walking up to 25 kms in a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA and hence it would be mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion,” the draft reads, adding that in case of Mehram of lady pilgrims, and companions of the pilgrims aged 65 years or above, including ladies without Mehram, pilgrims aged 65 years or above, repeaters will be allowed on payment of additional charges as applicable from time to time.
The draft reads that ladies traveling without their Mehrams are allowed to travel in groups of four or more ladies.
Haj Suvidha App: A dedicated Haj Suvidha App has been launched during Hajj 2024 with the objective of leveraging Information Technology towards providing greater ease and convenience to the Indian Haj pilgrims by facilitating access to training content.
Availability of Haj Application Forms: The forms can be filled by the pilgrims through the website of the HCoI at hajcommittee .gov.in which can also be accessed on the mobile phones.
Draw of Lots: In the States/UTs, where the number of Hajj applications received exceeds their quota, pilgrims shall be selected provisionally by Qurrah (draw of lots) conducted on the covers. The priority will be on the 65 or above age category, then ladies without Mehram below the age of 65 years and third, the general category.
About the duration and stay in the KSA, the draft stated that there will be 40 to 45 days stay in Saudi Arabia. Accommodation units in Makkah aer hired for the entire Haj season.
In case of deaths, due to natural causes or accident during Hajj period, burial rituals may be performed as per prevailing practice in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
