Hajj

Hajj History

The observance of Hajj is a significant event in the religious lives of Muslims across the globe, including India. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This holy journey holds immense significance in the Islamic faith as it fulfils various spiritual yearnings of the devotee, such as seeking forgiveness, building a closer connection with Allah, and reliving the prophetic practices. During the Hajj, Muslims come together as one community to perform these religious rites, thereby strengthening their bonds of unity and brotherhood.

Historically, Hajj has roots dating back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim, who built the holy Kaaba after his trials and tribulations. In India, the rituals of Hajj have always been held in high regard, as the country is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. With around 14% of the Indian population practicing Islam, the pilgrimage is considered an integral part of their spiritual lives. Every year, thousands of Muslims from India undertake the sacred journey to Mecca, transcending cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic barriers. The Government of India even provides support and assistance to the Hajj pilgrims for a smooth and safe pilgrimage through the Hajj Committee of India.

During the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslim devotees from India observe various customs that are similar to those followed by believers worldwide. They don the sacred Ihram clothing and perform the rituals such as Tawaf, where they circumambulate the Kaaba seven times; Sa'i, the symbolic act of running between the hills of Safa and Marwah; and the Rami al-Jamarat, where pilgrims stone the three pillars symbolizing the devil. After completing the rituals, they return to their homes with a sense of fulfilment, humility, and spiritual elevation. Hajj is observed on June 26th this year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Hajj (Begins) in India

• India maintains its status as the provider of the second-largest contingent of pilgrims globally for the upcoming season, with a total quota of 175,025 individuals permitted to travel from the country.
• For the first time in the history of the pilgrimage, the Haj Committee of India has introduced a specialized 20-day short-duration package to provide greater flexibility for those unable to commit to the traditional 40-day itinerary.
• All selected pilgrims will be issued Haj Suvidha smart wristbands, which are integrated with a mobile application to provide real-time GPS tracking, SOS emergency alerts, and health parameter monitoring.
• The mandatory Nusuk Card has been established as the primary digital and physical identity document required to access all holy sites, and pilgrims are cautioned that visit visa holders are strictly prohibited from performing the rites.
• Under the Ladies Without Mehram category, a significant number of female pilgrims will be allowed to perform the journey without a male guardian, provided they travel in groups of four or more.
• Roughly 60,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to utilize the Haramain High Speed Railway for their inter-city travel between Makkah and Madinah, significantly reducing transit times compared to traditional bus travel.
• The selection of participants is conducted through a digital random selection process known as Qurrah, which ensures transparency and priority for applicants aged 65 and above.
• The Ministry of Minority Affairs has enhanced the financial security of travelers by providing a comprehensive insurance cover of approximately ₹6.25 lakh per pilgrim to account for health and accidental contingencies.
• To streamline the departure process, the government has designated nearly 20 embarkation points across major cities including Srinagar, Mumbai, and Cochin, allowing for more localized travel logistics.
• A new requirement for 2026 mandates that all medical screenings and fitness certificates must be uploaded digitally through the Haj Suvidha platform to be verified by a government medical officer before departure.

In the News and Trending in India for Hajj

Top things to do in India for Hajj

• If you are Muslim, go on a Hajj pilgrimage or attend the smaller Umrah.
• Visit the mountains of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah in Mecca. Pilgrims walk between two hills, Safa and Marwa, seven times during the Hajj because they believe that Hagar, the wife of Abraham, did the same when looking for water for her thirsty baby Ismael. As soon as she finished her seventh run, the Zamzam well sprung out from under baby Ismael's foot. To this day, pilgrims on the Hajj drink the Zamzam's water, and often take it home with them in large canisters.
• Attend a Hajj depature ceremony. Before the departure of Hajj pilgrims, many cities in India organize special ceremonies and processions to bid farewell to the pilgrims. Families, friends, and neighbors gather to see off their loved ones and offer prayers for their safe journey.
• Indian Muslims who are completing the pilgrimage often participate in pre-Hajj rituals, such as wearing the Ihram (garment for Hajj) and performing a farewell prayer called the Tawaf Al-Wadaa at their local mosques before leaving for Mecca.