Saffron tinge in Haj pilgrims’ send-off
With saffron and green flags in hand, three ministers flagged off the first batch of 330 Haj pilgrims for a flight to Jeddah on Monday morning. Minister for minority welfare, Waqf and Haj, Chaudhary Lakshmi Narain; minister of state for Haj and Waqf, Mohsin Raza and minister of state for minority welfare Baldev Singh Aulakh gave a send-off to the bus ferrying pilgrims to the Amausi airport. Unlike previous years, the chief minister was not present for the flag-off.
HOARDINGS WITH A MESSAGE
Saffron colour dominated the scenes around the Haj House here this time. Hoardings with the message – ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ – welcomed Haj pilgrims. The hoardings displayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s greetings to the pilgrims. Signaling towards the billboards, minister of state for minority affairs (Haj and Waqf board) Mohsin Raza said, “In previous years, government used to politicise religious events. But this time chief minister Yogi Adityanath has given directions for better arrangements for pilgrims as compared to previous years. We will improve the quality of stay and other Haj related arrangements for pilgrims.”
WARM SENDOFF
An elderly pilgrim (above) being escorted to the bus ferrying pilgrims to the Amausi airport on Monday. (Left) A man embraces his kin while seeing him off. This year, green category pilgrims will have to spend Rs 2.36 lakh on Haj trip.
WAITING FOR THE BUS
Pilgrims boarding the flight (above) and those in the waiting area of the Haj House in Lucknow (below) before taking the bus to the airport.