Uncertainty hits Northeast Muslims about their pilgrimage to Mecca due to COVID

PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Thousands of Haj pilgrims from the North Eastern States are facing uncertainty about their pilgrimage to Mecca for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Saudi Arabian Government had cancelled the pilgrimage to Mecca in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If the Haj is cancelled again this time it will be a big disappointment for thousands of pilgrims from the NE States mainly Assam. Muslims plan and prepare for their pilgrimage to Mecca nearly two to three years in advance before the actual journey," Nekibur Zaman, who is closely associated with the Haj reception committee for NE, said.

Zaman, while quoting the Hajj Committee of India, said all Muslims intending to go on Hajj this year have to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

"In case the Saudi Arabia Government allows Indian pilgrims to perform Hajj 2021, outgoing flights will start from mid-June. Those who have applied for Hajj 2021 are advised to take the first dose of the vaccine now on their own so that at the time of departure, the second dose is also given to them," he said.

On the other hand, the cost of Haj from Assam & other North Eastern States will be the highest in the country from 2021. According to an earlier circular issued by the Haj Committee of India, the approximate cost of Haj from Guwahati (as embarkation point) will be Rs 3, 99,273.40

The pilgrimage costs from nine other embarkation points in the country will be less than that of Guwahati. It will be Rs 3,44,809.40 from Delhi, Rs 3,69,050.40 from Kolkata, Rs 3,29,279.40 from Mumbai, Rs 3,61,927.40 from Srinagar, Rs 3,44,133.40 from Lucknow, Rs 3,49,381.40 from Hyderabad, Rs 3,56,433.40 from Cochin, Rs 3,42,994.40 from Bengaluru and Rs 3,28,168.40 from Ahmedabad.

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