Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which begins today, Friday. Pilgrims will perform circumambulation around the Kaaba before moving to Mina, a desert plain outside the city, on the first day of Hajj. The number of pilgrims is expected to grow in the coming months, with hundreds of thousands of Saudis and other residents joining the pilgrimage after it officially begins on Friday.
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operations of Nigeria (AHUON) has partnered with Flyadeal Airline to streamline the airlifting process for Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. This collaboration aims to alleviate the challenges faced by pilgrims, providing them with smoother and more efficient travel arrangements. Despite initial hurdles, the inaugural departure of the first batch of pilgrims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja was met with satisfaction from officials. The partnership extends to multiple batches of pilgrims, with the final group hailing from Kano State. Flyadeal Airline’s involvement addresses the longstanding challenge of limited airline options in Hajj operations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims can embark on their spiritual journey with greater peace of mind.
This week, Plain Facts presents a compilation of data-driven insights into key events and trends shaping India. Despite the relentless heat and economic fluctuations, there are signs of growth in various sectors. In this round-up, we explore the severe heatwaves affecting India, the upcoming release of GDP growth figures, the rise in luxury home prices, a pilgrimage boom, increased loan support for states, surging rural expenditures, and sluggish auto sales. Additionally, our Chart of the Week highlights the increasing proportion of educated MPs in the Lok Sabha over the years.
Manchester Airport serves as a vital hub for Hajj pilgrims, offering direct flights to Jeddah, the gateway to Makkah. The Hajj pilgrimage, a transformative spiritual journey to Islam’s holiest site, draws thousands of pilgrims from the North region each year. Muslim chaplains at Manchester Airport emphasize the profound significance of Hajj and offer essential advice for travelers.
Indian pilgrims performing Hajj now have access to the Haramain High-Speed Train, offering a quicker and more comfortable journey from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. This significant upgrade from traditional bus transportation has been enabled by the collaboration between the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi authorities. The high-speed train service, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, significantly cuts travel time in half, providing a more efficient and pleasant pilgrimage experience.
A helicopter carrying seven people, including pilgrims, made an emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath on Friday after developing a technical snag. The pilot quickly took a decision and landed the chopper safely, averting a major mishap. All occupants, including six pilgrims and the pilot, are safe and sound. The incident occurred around 7 am today, and the pilgrims were able to continue their pilgrimage after the incident. The Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage tour of four holy sites, has commenced this year, with around 26 lakh devotees registered to participate. The Uttarakhand government has extended the ban on VIP darshan until May 31 to ensure equal access for all devotees.
Uzbekistan Airways has announced the commencement of its first flight from Tashkent to Medina, marking the start of the ‘Hajj-2024’ program. The airline will operate 124 charter flights to transport 15,130 pilgrims from various cities across Uzbekistan to Medina, fulfilling its role as the official partner of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan for the program.
Leisure Hotels Group proudly presents Brij Eternity, a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Vrindavan, where spirituality intertwines with mythology. This 42-key hotel offers contemporary accommodations, an exquisite multi-cuisine restaurant, and state-of-the-art banquet facilities. Brij Eternity serves as a gateway to sacred destinations in Vrindavan and Mathura, providing guests with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Pilgrims planning to visit Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand must register online or at designated points to avoid being denied entry. The holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will open its doors on Akshay Tritiya (May 10) and remain accessible until Kartik Purnima (November 15). The registration process helps authorities track visitor numbers and provide support in case of emergencies.
The Nusuk app is a comprehensive travel and spiritual guide for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. It offers real-time updates, personalized itineraries, a connected community, safety features, and cultural insights. Nusuk enhances the pilgrimage experience by simplifying planning, fostering connection, ensuring safety, promoting understanding, and supporting sustainable practices.
