New Changes to Indian Hajj Pilgrimage: No Restrictions on Number or Age
New Changes to Indian Hajj Pilgrimage
Introduction
Hajj is a significant religious pilgrimage for Muslims, and it is especially important for those living in India.
Recently, there has been good news for Indian Hajj pilgrimage, as a bilateral agreement was signed between India and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, which removes restrictions on the number of Hajj pilgrims and the age limit for those who wish to perform the pilgrimage.
Removal of Restrictions on Number of Pilgrims
The agreement signed by Hajj and Umrah Deputy Minister Dr. Abelfattah bin Suleiman Mash and Indian Consul General Md. Shahid Alam, means that there will no longer be any restrictions on the number of Hajj pilgrims.
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This is welcome news for Indian Muslims who have been impacted by previous restrictions on numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Previously, the highest quota for Indian Hajj pilgrims was in 2019, when 24 lakh (2.4 million) people performed the pilgrimage.
However, this number decreased gradually in subsequent years due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions.
This year, however, a large number of Hajj pilgrims, including those from India, will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage.
Removal of Age Restrictions
Another major change brought about by the agreement is the removal of the age limit for Hajj pilgrims.
Previously, there had been a restriction in place which prohibited people over the age of 65 from performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
However, this year, there will be no age limit for Hajj pilgrims, which means that people of all ages will be able to participate.
Indonesian Minister Yaqut has confirmed that there will be no age limit for Hajj pilgrims this year, and this applies to Indian Hajj pilgrimage as well.
This means that older individuals who had been previously unable to perform the Hajj due to their age will now be able to do so.
Increased Numbers of Indian Pilgrims
The changes brought about by the bilateral agreement between India and Saudi Arabia will result in a greater number of Indian Hajj pilgrimage.
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A record-breaking 1,75,025 Indians have been granted permission to perform the Hajj this year. This is a significant increase from previous years, and it is a positive step towards restoring the number of Indian Hajj pilgrims to pre-pandemic levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the bilateral agreement signed by India and Saudi Arabia has brought about significant changes for Indian Hajj pilgrims.
The removal of restrictions on the number of pilgrims and the age limit for those who wish to perform the pilgrimage will allow many more Indians to participate in the Hajj this year.
This is positive news for the Indian Muslim community and a step towards the restoration of the numbers of Indian Hajj pilgrims to pre-pandemic levels.
