The first batch of pilgrims consisted of 220 Hajis today of the total 1,035 pilgrims from Mangalore to travel to the holy city of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Relatives and friends of the pilgrims came in large numbers to see off their dear ones depart for the journey.
S K Belubbi, State Hajj Minister, flagged off the bus from the old airport terminal carrying the first batch of pilgrims to the new terminal from where they boarded the flight.
Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Mr. Bellubbi said that a total of 6,800 people from Karnataka are undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage this year and today's batch of pilgrims that left for the pilgrimage is first in the entire state to depart for holy cities. Arrangements for pilgrims to leave for the holy journey have been made from four destinations i.e. Mangalore, Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad, he said. Wishing the pilgrims a safe and sound journey, Mr.Bellubbi prayed to the Almighty to solve the problem of drought in the state. The minister also said that the Hajj Bhavan in Bangalore will be completed soon and the state government will consider setting up similar Hajj Bhavans in cities like Mangalore phase wise.
R Abdul Riyaz Khan, Chairman, Karanataka State Wakf Board, said that all arrangements have been made for the benefit of the pilgrims and that he is supervising every aspect of the journey being undertaken by them.
Thwaka Ahmed Musliyar, Mangalore Qazi and Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal, Udupi Qazi, carried out duas on the occasion. MLAs UT Khader, Ramanath Rai, and Abhaychandra Jain were present among others.
Related: Air Bus 310 operates on M'lore tarmac for first time to carry Hajj pilgrims
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