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Key Points

The first group of 164 Hajj pilgrims returned to Jaipur, welcomed by officials and families. They praised the improved arrangements, including better air conditioning during the journey. Many pilgrims shared their prayers for peace amid global tensions. More flights are expected to bring back pilgrims until June 29.

Key Points: Rajasthan Welcomes First 164 Hajj Pilgrims Back from Saudi Arabia

  • First Hajj flight lands in Jaipur with 164 pilgrims
  • Pilgrims praise Saudi Arabia's improved facilities
  • Many prayed for peace amid global conflicts
  • 17 more flights scheduled until June 29
3 min read

Rajasthan: First batch of 164 Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia

The first batch of 164 Hajj pilgrims returns to Jaipur, expressing satisfaction with arrangements and praying for global peace.

"It was very good, it was excellent... the air conditioning worked well throughout the journey. – Fattu Khan, Hajj Pilgrim"

Jaipur, June 17

The return of pilgrims from the sacred Hajj 2025 journey has begun in Rajasthan. On Tuesday, a flight carrying 164 pilgrims, including 81 women and 83 men, touched down at Terminal 1 of the Sanganer International Airport in Jaipur.

The pilgrims, who completed the Hajj pilgrimage, were welcomed by officials, members of the Rajasthan State Hajj Committee, and family members.

This first flight arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is part of 17 flights scheduled to bring back pilgrims until June 29. Each flight has a capacity of 165 passengers.

While speaking to ANI, Fattu Khan, from Alwar, a pilgrim expressed satisfaction, stating, "It was very good, it was excellent. People are saying that for the first time, the arrangements have been so good, and the air conditioning worked well throughout the journey. We heard that it's very hot, but we didn't feel it at all."

"It was a very good journey. Everyone got good facilities there, and the journey was good. It is a matter of great pleasure," another pilgrim from Alwar added.

Some of the pilgrims expressed that they prayed for peace in the world due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. "We prayed for peace. Especially for our country. May peace be maintained in our country and in the rest of the world." Abdul Ghafoor, a hajj pilgrim, said.

Earlier, after smoke was detected from a Saudia Airlines plane that landed at Lucknow airport, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) rushed to the spot and made sure that the smoke was contained and damage to the aircraft averted, Lucknow airport officials said on Monday.

According to officials, no injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred on the morning of June 15. The passengers were safely disembarked, and there was no impact on airport operations.The flight was returning from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying Hajj pilgrims. Smoke and sparks were detected on the plane's wheels shortly after it landed and while it was on the taxiway.

In Islam, it is obligatory for every individual to fulfill five duties (pillars), of which Hajj is one. This year, the Hajj was performed between June 4 and June 9 in Saudi Arabia. The first batch of annual Hajj pilgrims from India started from early May itself. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a total of 1,22,518 hajj pilgrims undertook the sacred journey, with the first flights taking off from Lucknow and Hyderabad itself.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartwarming to see our pilgrims return safely! 🙏 The improved arrangements this year are commendable. Rajasthan government and Hajj Committee deserve appreciation for smooth operations. Wishing all pilgrims safe journeys back home.
R
Rahul S.
Good to hear about the positive experience. Though I wonder - with temperatures crossing 50°C in Saudi, how sustainable is Hajj pilgrimage in peak summer? Maybe dates should be adjusted considering climate change realities.
A
Anjali M.
The incident at Lucknow airport shows we need better safety protocols for these special flights. Alhamdulillah nothing serious happened, but authorities should conduct thorough aircraft checks before these important journeys.
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Jaipur, proud to see our airport handling these pilgrim flights efficiently. The Hajj journey is tough physically and spiritually - respect to all who complete it. Their prayers for world peace are much needed in these troubled times.
S
Sunita R.
My neighbor just returned from Hajj yesterday! She was all praise for the arrangements this year. The government subsidy and women-only groups have made it easier for many. More power to such initiatives that help people fulfill religious duties.
K
Karan P.
While respecting the religious significance, I hope the pilgrims also bring back positive cultural experiences from Saudi Arabia. India-Saudi ties have strengthened recently - such people-to-people connections help bilateral relations too.

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