Apply online for Haj from Nov 7
There will be no flight for Haj from Varanasi this year as boarding points for the pilgrimage all over the country have been reduced from 21 to 10.
Last year, flights for pilgrims of UP were available from Lucknow, Delhi and Varanasi, but this year flights would only be available from Lucknow and Delhi.
After the cancellation of the pilgrimage this year, the process for applying online for Haj 2021 will start from Saturday. Those interested in going can apply from November 7 to December 10. Haj would be performed on
July 30 next year.
However, the reduction of boarding points also indicates reduction in quota of Haj pilgrims this year. Sources in the Haj Committee of India said the quota of pilgrims could be reduced by 50 to 60% due to the ongoing pandemic situation all over the world.
Rahul Gupta, secretary, State Haj Committee, said: “Our effort would be to provide safe travel for Haj pilgrims. We are working to provide them best facilities during their 30 to 35 days stay in Saudi Arabia.”
For Haj 2021, there would be no provision for NRIs due to Covid quarantine restrictions in different countries while the advance Haj amount has been increased to Rs 1.5 lakh from Rs 81,000 last year. The cost of standardized bags provided to pilgrims for Haj 20021 may be collected from pilgrims along with the Haj amount.
Dr Maqsood Ahmed Khan, CEO, Haj Committee of India said, “If the applications for Haj are more than the quota, then the pilgrims would be decided through lottery (qurrah).”
He said, “This year due to covid restrictions, pilgrims in age group of 18 to 65 years would be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia. 500 seats are reserved in categories of non mehram. Under this category, women can go in groups of three.”
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the foremost aim of society should be to provide a safe and secure future for coming generations. Rajnath was speaking after inaugurating the 21st International Conference of Chief Justices of the world organised online by City Montessori School.
Singh said, “The significant step taken by the chief justices and judges of various nations to unite and move ahead in this direction will revolutionize society and create conditions for the establishment of a new world order.” He congratulated CMS founder Jagdish Gandhi for raising his voice in favour of important issues like child rights, world unity, peace and a better world order. Mayor of Lucknow, Sanyukta Bhatia said City Montessori School had taken the initiative to carve a new future for over 2.5 billion children of the world and generations yet unborn, by organising this unique conference.
On this occasion, Sanyukta Bhatia honoured former President of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona by presenting him with ‘Key to the city of Lucknow’.