KOCHI: The Union government on Saturday announced the launch of a short Hajj package for Indian pilgrims, especially professionals, this year, with the aim of reducing the duration of Hajj while maintaining all essential rituals.
The office of Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian said in a statement here that the initiative was introduced at the request of pilgrims working in the business and professional sectors who find it difficult to spend 40 to 45 days away from work.
Under the new arrangement, pilgrims will be able to complete their Hajj and return in about 20 days, instead of the usual extended stay.
Accordingly, around 10,000 pilgrims will travel under this special scheme.
“Based on feedback from pilgrims, especially working professionals and businessmen, who are looking for the option of returning early after completing their essential Hajj rituals, the Short Hajj Package for Hajj 2026 has been introduced for the first time.
“Within this category, 10,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj with a reduced stay of about 20 days in Saudi Arabia, compared to the normal Hajj duration of 40 to 45 days,” she said.
The first flight is scheduled to depart from Kochi on May 17, with other departures planned from major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad, the minister’s office said.
The short Hajj package will run from May 17 to June 5, allowing pilgrims to complete their journey and return within a shorter time frame compared to the regular Hajj schedule.
His office said the move aims to facilitate access to and management of the Hajj for working professionals, while ensuring that all religious obligations are fulfilled.
The first flight from Cochin International Airport will be launched by Korean at 12.30 pm on May 17.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
