First Haj Batch Departs from Lucknow as Over 17,000 UP Pilgrims Prepare for Sacred Journey

Lucknow- The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh began their journey on Wednesday, with 427 devotees departing from Lucknow for the annual pilgrimage. The group was flagged off from the Haj House in Sarojininagar by Danish Azad Ansari before proceeding to the airport for their flight.

This year, a total of 17,065 pilgrims from the state are set to undertake the Haj pilgrimage. From Lucknow alone, 684 pilgrims will travel across 14 scheduled flights between April 22 and May 2. Each pilgrim has contributed approximately ₹3.69 lakh, which includes the Qurbani fee.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, authorities have introduced AI-enabled smart wristbands to assist pilgrims during the journey. These devices are designed to monitor health conditions and track locations, enabling quicker emergency responses. Officials have also ensured comprehensive medical arrangements, including doctors and paramedical staff accompanying the pilgrims, considering the extreme heat conditions in Saudi Arabia.

Support systems such as the Haj Suvidha App have also been activated, offering features like SOS alerts and real-time assistance to pilgrims. Families gathered in large numbers at the Haj House to bid farewell to their loved ones embarking on the spiritual journey.

However, the departure faced a delay due to extreme weather conditions. The flight, initially scheduled for the afternoon, took off later in the evening after temperatures in Lucknow crossed 40°C. Officials explained that high temperatures can affect aircraft performance, often requiring delays for safety reasons.

Despite the delay, authorities ensured all arrangements were in place, marking a smooth start to Haj operations from the state.