New Delhi, Today, from Delhi, the first batch of 340 Haj pilgrims left for Jeddah while a total 1,00,020 pilgrims will be facilitated by the government across India through Haj Committee this year.

Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said after flagging off the first group of pilgrims from IGI Airport, "Haj pilgrimage is a cherished desire of every Muslim in his life time. All the Haj pilgrims should pray for peace, prosperity, harmony and brotherhood in our great nation as well as the entire world".

A total of 12,500 pilgrims will be proceeding from Delhi to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by Air India's 37 charter flights for the pilgrimage this year.

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Haj Committee of India Chairman Chaudhary Mehboob Ali Qaiser, its member and Delhi Coordinator HB Kazmi, Ministry Secretary Rakesh Garg and others were present on the occasion.