Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will flag off the batch of Haj pilgrims from Telangana on 17 May, announced Telangana State Haj Committee Chairman Maulana Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha during a press briefing at Haj House today.
He stated that the first flight carrying pilgrims from Telangana is scheduled to depart tonight at 9:50 PM, with buses set to transport pilgrims from the Haj Camp to the airport. A detailed review of the arrangements for the pilgrims’ departure was conducted.
Joining him during the inspection were Minority Welfare Secretary Tapseer Iqbal, TMREIS Chairman Faheem Qureshi, Wakf Board Chairman Azmatullah Hussaini, and Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Obaidullah Kotwal. The inspection team carefully reviewed arrangements for food, medical facilities, and immigration procedures for the pilgrims.
Expressing satisfaction, Maulana Khusro Pasha said that, “Alhamdulillah, all arrangements by the Telangana Haj Committee have been successfully completed.”
The Haj Committee Chairman further explained that although the Chief Minister was initially scheduled to meet the pilgrims of the first flight tonight, he would now address and flag off the pilgrims on 17 May. Explaining the change, he noted that today’s departing group would first arrive in Madinah, while many prefer the Chief Minister to bid farewell to those heading directly to Makkah, who begin their journey in the state of Ihram.
He clarified that pilgrims travelling directly to Makkah don the Ihram before beginning their journey, while those first arriving in Madinah typically wear regular clothing and only assume Ihram at the designated Miqat point. Observing Ihram entails numerous restrictions, such as avoiding loud conversations, refraining from harming living beings (even insects), and abstaining from using fragrances.
He also mentioned that seating capacities vary depending on the aircraft type, accommodating around 380, 285, or 350 pilgrims per flight. The Telangana Haj Committee has urged all pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions provided and to contact committee officials in case of any difficulties.
