First batch of 900 pilgrims leaves for Haj

New Delhi, Sep 29 (PTI) The first batch of 900 Indian
pilgrims Thursday left for Jeddah in three flights from the
Indira Gandhi International Airport here to attend the annual
Haj pilgrimage.
Indian Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Delhi
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Revenue Minister A K
Walia and Vice Chairman of Haj Committee of India Hasan Ahmed
accorded a ceremonial send off to the pilgrims at the airport.
Charge de Affairs in Saudi Arab Embassy Sagar Al Quraishi
was also present on the occasion.
Dikshit, Khurshid and Walia presented gifts to the
pilgrims at the airport.
Out of 900 pilgrims, 600 are from Delhi while the
remaining 300 are from north Indian state Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit congratulated the
pilgrims and said every Muslim aspires to perform Haj at least
once in his or her lifetime.
She expressed hope that Hajis will pray for peace,
prosperity and progress of the country.
Khurshid said the city government deserves appreciation
for making excellent arrangements for the pilgrims.
He also exhorted the pilgrims to pray for peace and
prosperity of the country.