The first batch of Haj pilgrims started their pilgrimage from Guntur to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina on Wednesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Amzath Basha Shaik Bepari flagged off the buses transporting the pilgrims from the temporary Haj House located at Nambur village near Guntur on the national highway. The buses carried 170 passengers from Haj House to Gannavaram Airport near Vijayawada, from where they will be travelling to Jeddah, the gateway to the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
The pilgrims will return to their homes after completing the 41-day pilgrimage.