APRIL 9 : Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, along with Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi, arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage. Their visit marks a significant step in ensuring that the Haj pilgrimage for 2025 proceeds smoothly, with special focus on the welfare and safety of Indian pilgrims.
The purpose of the visit is to thoroughly assess the readiness of all arrangements for the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to take place in early June 2025. Dr. Kumar and Mr. Bakshi’s visit underscores the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and well-organized pilgrimage experience for the hundreds of thousands of Indian pilgrims who will travel to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the review, Dr. Kumar and Mr. Bakshi are expected to meet with Saudi officials and agencies responsible for managing the logistics of the Haj pilgrimage. This includes reviewing key aspects such as accommodation, transportation, healthcare, food services, and other essential facilities for the pilgrims. They are also expected to address any concerns raised by stakeholders and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to address the needs of the Indian pilgrims.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has always prioritized the safety and comfort of Indian pilgrims. In this context, the review by Dr. Kumar and his team is crucial in ensuring that every aspect of the pilgrimage—from visa arrangements to on-ground services—is in line with the high standards set by the Indian government. The delegation will also assess the facilities provided for the pilgrims at the departure points in India and the coordination between the Indian and Saudi authorities to facilitate the movement of pilgrims.
India has a long-standing tradition of sending large numbers of pilgrims to the annual Haj, and the preparations for 2025 are no different. The pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and every year, the Indian government works closely with Saudi Arabia to ensure that Indian pilgrims are provided with the best possible experience.
With less than two months to go until the pilgrimage, the visit by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar and Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi highlights the urgency of finalizing all preparations and ensuring that Indian Haj pilgrims have a smooth, safe, and fulfilling experience during their journey in 2025.