Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Jun 5: Indian Haj pilgrims joined millions of worshippers on Thursday at Mount Arafat, near Mecca, to perform the pivotal Wuquf-e-Arafat ritual, marking the heart of the Haj pilgrimage. The Indian Haj Mission ensured the safe and timely arrival of all pilgrims, including those needing medical support, through dedicated ambulances and special transport arrangements, reflecting the mission’s deep commitment to their welfare.
India’s Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, confirmed the smooth arrival of Indian pilgrims at Arafat, expressing warm greetings and emphasizing the spiritual significance of the sacred five-day period spent across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
“Comprehensive arrangements coordinated between the Indian Haj Mission and Saudi authorities have ensured the safe and seamless movement of pilgrims from their points of origin through Arafat, and onward to Muzdalifah and Mina,” Consul General Suri said. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all agencies involved for their tireless efforts in facilitating a fulfilling Haj experience.
Ahead of these rites, senior officials from India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), including Joint Secretary Shersha Mohiddin and representatives from the Haj Committee of India, visited Mina camps to review facilities and monitor grievance redressal mechanisms through the Haj Suvidha App 2.0. The delegation also assessed coordination at the Central Control Room to enhance support services for the pilgrims.
The Indian government remains dedicated to ensuring a dignified, safe, and smooth pilgrimage for its citizens. Officials accompanied the pilgrims as they moved from Mecca to Mina earlier this week, signaling the start of the core Haj rituals, with careful coordination with Saudi authorities throughout.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, addressed the pilgrims ahead of the core rituals, extending best wishes and assuring full support through the presence of dedicated administrative and medical teams throughout their journey.
Additionally, a briefing chaired by Consul General Suri focused on medical care arrangements for Indian pilgrims in the Mashaer Region, including Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. The session involved ‘Team India’ doctors, nurses, and officials dedicated to providing continuous assistance during Haj 2025.
Pilgrims who arrived last week expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements and quality of facilities provided by the Indian government, praising the smoothness and comfort of the journey. The Ministry of Minority Affairs reiterated its commitment to ensuring every pilgrim’s journey is dignified and comfortable.
Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, also highlighted the government’s dedicated efforts to make the Haj pilgrimage seamless and successful. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience for Indian devotees.
Over the past decade, the Indian government has worked diligently to make the Haj pilgrimage transparent, cost-effective, safe, and spiritually enriching. The Indian Haj Mission, the largest government-managed operation outside India, closely coordinates with Saudi authorities to ensure smooth logistics and pilgrim welfare.
Last year, over 175,000 Indian pilgrims were successfully assisted during their journey to Mount Arafat. Together with the Saudi Haj Ministry, the Indian Haj Mission manages the transport and accommodation of pilgrims, maintaining a high standard of care throughout the pilgrimage.
This year, the mission continues to uphold that tradition, ensuring that every Indian pilgrim experiences a safe and spiritually fulfilling Haj.