The embarking points have been reduced from 21 to 10 by the Central Haj Committee across India. It has also scrapped a few embarking centres including Chennai. Hence the Haj Pilgrims coming from Tamil Nadu will have to travel at least five days before their departure. The first part of Hajis will be leaving from Cochin on June 13th and hence the selected Hajis are asked to reach Kochi by June 9th.
Chennai As A Center Is Scrapped
After a hiatus of two years finally, Haj pilgrims are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims also referred to as Hajis filled out their application to visit the place about 3 months ago. This year about 1,498 pilgrims have been selected for the Haj pilgrimage. Gingee KS Mastan, minister for minorities welfare and non-resident Tamil’s welfare, Tamil Nadu, said that he would oversee the arrangements by coming to Kochi himself. M K Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister wrote to the Central Haj Committee and the Prime Minister to include Chennai as one of the centres but still, Chennai got scrapped.
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Difficult For Pilgrims
The Hajis or Haj pilgrims coming from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Mahe, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshwadeep Islands will have to reach Kochi in order to leave for Mecca. A pilgrim from Kayalpatinam said that it is difficult for them to come and collect the suitcase which the Tamil Nadu Haj Committee provides in Nungambakkam as they will be handing it over only on 5th June. they have to get back and pack their belongings for their 37 day trip to Mecca.
