To perform annual Hajj-e-Baitullah, pilgrims from Doda, Bhaderwah, Thathri and Gandoh today left for Srinagar from where they will leave for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
A batch of 151 Hajj pilgrims of District Doda, including 61 from Doda, 39 from Bhaderwah, 21 from Thathri and 30 from Gandoh, were accorded a ceremonial send off for Srinagar today at 10 am.
These pilgrims will take direct international flight from Srinagar Airport for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage on 17th of this month.
A large number of people gathered at historical Seri Bazaar Bhaderwah to see off ‘Hajis’ and wished them a safe journey and smooth performance of Manasik-e-Hajj (Hajj rituals) and asked them to pray for peace, progress and prosperity for the state as well as country as a whole.
Tehsildar, Bhaderwah, Masood Ahmed along with SDPO, Bhaderwah, Touseef Ahmed were present on the occasion to see off the Haj pilgrims who left for Srinagar on State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus.
While speaking on the occasion, Tehsildar, Bhaderwah, Masood Ahmed congratulated the Hajis for pious journey and prayed for their safe and secure pilgrimage. He enjoined upon the pilgrims to pray for the peace, harmony and development of the district.
Meanwhile, people criticized district administration for careless attitude as for 39 pilgrims of Bhaderwah, only 35 seater SRTC Bus was provided.
However, Tehsildar Bhaderwah intervened and provided another vehicle for the Aazmeen-e-Hajj.
It is notable to mention here that this year 177 pilgrims from District Doda are selected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a record number in the history of District Doda.
The official said that 10,183 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected this year to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, considered to be one of the five basic pillars of Islam.