Srinagar: The first batch of pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital for the annual Haj pilgrimage on Thursday, officials said.
The pilgrims reported at Haj house in Srinagar in the morning and after completion of all the formalities they boarded the State Road Transport Corporation buses to reach Airport.
Emotional scenes were seen at the Haj House Bemina where relatives of pilgrims were seen hugging each other reciting religious slogans before boarding the buses.
The pilgrims said that they will pray for peace and prosperity during their pilgrimage.
"We will pray at the holy place for peace and prosperity for all," said Abdul Rashid, a pilgrim from Baramulla.
As many as 7008 Haj pilgrims will embark on the Haj pilgrimage this year, of which around 6852 are going through Srinagar embarkation including the pilgrims from Ladakh and over 500 through Delhi embarkation. 541 will also depart from other airports including Delhi airport.
37 female pilgrims without 'Mahram' (Closest relative) will perform Haj this year.
Two flights will leave every day for Jeddah Airport from Srinagar Airport and each will carry 320 pilgrims in separate schedules. (with UNI inputs)
