New Delhi

The Haj pilgrimage for the year 2026 will begin from New Delhi on April 18, under which more than 175,000 Indian pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia in different phases. The annual Haj is expected to take place between May 24 and May 29, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju congratulated the pilgrims on April 17 and said that the government is committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and comfortable Haj journey. He added that several new initiatives have been introduced this year to improve facilities.

The Haj operation will be conducted through 17 embarkation points across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Srinagar, making travel easier for pilgrims from different regions. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, which oversees Haj arrangements, has made comprehensive preparations in coordination with the Haj Committee of India, central ministries, state governments, and Saudi authorities to provide convenience to pilgrims at every stage.

VIDEO | Delhi: MEA Additional Secretary Gulf Aseem R Mahajan says, "The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims will depart on April 18, 2026, for Saudi Arabia. India’s Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are prepared to assist pilgrims, with the government prioritising their… pic.twitter.com/UzP8gn68UU

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2026

This year, digital facilities have been expanded through the Haj Suvidha App, while smart wristbands have also been introduced to help quickly identify and assist missing pilgrims. For the first time, a short-duration Haj package of around 20 days has also been introduced, giving pilgrims greater convenience. Insurance coverage for each pilgrim has been increased to approximately ₹6.25 lakh, while around 60,000 pilgrims will be provided high-speed train facilities between Makkah and Madinah, making travel safer and faster.

Authorities have further strengthened real-time monitoring, grievance redressal systems, medical screening, and healthcare facilities. Improved accommodation and transport arrangements have also been made in Saudi Arabia. This year, hotel-style accommodation is being provided in Makkah to give pilgrims a more comfortable environment, while airport departure procedures have also been simplified.

Hon'ble Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju extends best wishes to Haj Pilgrims.

The Haj pilgrimage from India for the year 2026 is set to commence on April 18, 2026, with the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to depart for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from various… pic.twitter.com/g6J2MzZcXw

— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 17, 2026

The government has increased insurance coverage for Haj pilgrims to approximately ₹6.25 lakh per pilgrim, strengthening financial and medical protection during the journey. In addition, around 60,000 pilgrims will be provided high-speed train services between Makkah and Madinah, making travel faster and more comfortable.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju with Saudi officials

Authorities have improved real-time monitoring and grievance redressal systems, while medical screening and healthcare facilities have also been enhanced. Better coordination has been established to make accommodation and transport arrangements in Saudi Arabia more effective. Hotel-style accommodation has also been arranged in Makkah to provide greater comfort to pilgrims.

The government said that the welfare of Haj pilgrims has been given top priority, and close coordination will be maintained with Saudi authorities throughout the pilgrimage period. Pilgrims have been advised to follow all official guidelines and travel instructions so that their journey remains safe and spiritually successful.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all Haj pilgrims on this occasion. He said the government is fully committed to providing pilgrims with a safe, easy, and comfortable journey.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has provided modern digital services this year for pilgrims’ convenience, including smart facilities under the Haj Suvidha initiatives, better medical arrangements, quality accommodation, and improved communication systems to ensure ease at every stage.

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According to officials, special measures have been taken this year to make Haj arrangements more effective so that pilgrims do not face any kind of difficulty and can complete their sacred journey with peace of mind.