Kochi: The central government on Saturday announced the launch of a shorter Haj package this year for Indian pilgrims, especially professionals. Its objective is to reduce the duration of the pilgrimage while maintaining all the necessary rituals. A statement issued by the office of Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien said the initiative has been launched on the request of pilgrims who work in business and professional sectors and find it difficult to stay away from work for 40 to 45 days.
10 thousand pilgrims will travel
Under the new arrangement, pilgrims will be able to return after completing the Haj rituals within about 20 days instead of the usual long-term stay. Around 10,000 pilgrims will travel under this special scheme. Based on the feedback received from pilgrims, especially working professionals and businessmen who wanted the option of early return after completion of the main Haj rituals, a mini Haj package has been launched for the first time for Haj 2026.
What is the normal duration of Hajj?
Under this category, 10,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia (KSA) with a reduced duration of about 20 days, compared to the normal Hajj duration of 40-45 days, the statement said. The minister’s office said the first flight is scheduled to depart from Kochi on May 17, while flights are also scheduled from other major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.
How long will the small Haj packet last?
The mini Hajj package will run from May 17 to June 5, allowing pilgrims to complete their journey and return within a shorter time frame than the regular pilgrimage schedule. The minister’s office said the move is aimed at making the pilgrimage more accessible and manageable for working professionals, while also ensuring that all religious obligations are fulfilled. Kurien will flag off the first flight from Cochin International Airport at 12.30 pm on May 17.
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