Assam's Haj Pilgrimage Set for 2026 with Over 2,400 Participants
Overview of the 2026 Haj Pilgrimage
Chairman Nekibur Zaman (centre) flanked by other members of the State Haj Committee, address the press, on Thursday. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, Apr 16: In 2026, a total of 2,415 pilgrims from Assam and various northeastern states are set to embark on the Haj pilgrimage, with flights scheduled from May 18 to May 21, as reported by officials from the Joint State Haj Committee (JSHC).
During a press conference in Guwahati, committee members revealed that they received 2,569 applications from Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
Assam led the applications with 2,544 submissions, according to committee chairman and senior advocate Nekibur Zaman.
He explained that the selection of pilgrims was carried out through a randomized digital process managed by the Haj Committee of India.
“Unfortunately, 170 applicants have withdrawn due to financial or health issues, reducing the total number of travelers to 2,415,” he noted.
The committee has established a state-level Haj management team to coordinate logistics, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and other vital services during the pilgrimage.
A temporary office and control room have been set up at the Haj House in Guwahati to handle complaints and provide necessary support.
Guwahati will see the highest number of departures, with 1,490 pilgrims leaving from the city. Other departure locations include Kolkata (668 pilgrims), Mumbai (218), Delhi (28), Bengaluru (8), Lucknow (2), and Hyderabad (1).
Officials indicated that flight operations will occur in phases from May 18 to May 21.
As part of the preparations, 13 trainers have been selected from 35 applicants, and 16 State Haj Inspectors have been appointed from a pool of 95 candidates.
The committee emphasized its commitment to the welfare of pilgrims through awareness initiatives and collaboration among various agencies.