A computerised lottery is likely to be conducted by the end of January or the first week of February in states receiving more applications than the specified quota.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a significant surge of religious fervour, approximately 1,74,000 Indian nationals from all states and Union Territories have submitted online applications for Haj 2024 through the Haj Committee of India.
Liaquat Ali Afaqi, Chief Executive Officer of the Haj Committee of India, stated that the Haj quota has been established at 1,40,025, with allocations distributed in proportion to the Muslim population across states and Union Territories.
To manage the overwhelming response, a computerised lottery is likely to be conducted by the end of January or the first week of February in states receiving more applications than the specified quota. Notably, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka have recorded the highest number of Haj requests.
The applicants include over 5,000 women without mahram (male relatives with whom marriage is not allowed) and 6,300 people aged 70 or above.
Afaqi emphasised the significance of selected pilgrims participating in the Haj training program and camps organised at all levels. This initiative aims to ensure that the journey of Haj and the associated duties are undertaken smoothly and correctly, enabling pilgrims to benefit fully from the facilities provided by the Indian and Saudi authorities.
Afaqi appealed to the selected pilgrims to actively engage in the training programs, thereby contributing to a seamless and a fulfilling Haj experience.