Mangalore: First batch of Hajj pilgrims given warm send-off

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 7: Every Muslim desires to go on Hajj piligrimage, but not every person can realize this wish. Hence, the government gives subsidy to people who have financial constraints and thereby provides them an opportunity to realize their dreams," said minister for health and family affairs U T Khadar.

He was speaking at a send-off programme held for the first batch of Hajj pilgrims at Mangalore International Airport here on Friday September 6 night.

Minister for youth services and sports K Abhaychandra Jain asked the pilgrims to pray for peace and harmony of the coastal region.

District Qazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar led the prayers. Qazi Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal blessed the gathering. MLA Mohiuddin Bava presided over the programme.

MLA J R Lobo, state Hajj committee president M M Ahmed, Karnataka Wakf board president Abdul Riyaz Khan, Yenepoya University chancellor Y Abdulla Kuhni, airport director Radhakrishna, Muslim central committe president K S Mohammed Masood, district Wakf committee president Usman Haji, state Hajj committee member Tabassum Ahmed, S M Rashid Haji, Mumtaz Ali, Ibrahim Kodijal, Muda chief Mohammed Nazeer, Mangalore Hajj committee vice-president Azeez Baikampady and others were present.

Mangalore Haj organizing committee president Yenepoya Mohammed Kunhi welcomed the gathering. Sheik Lathif of Haj camp organizing committee delivered the keynote address. Abdur Razak compered while Rashid Vitla thanked.

The first batch of 166 pilgrims left at 3.30 am from Mangalore airport. They landed at Goa and took a flight to Madina at 6 am. Pilgrims from Mangalore, Udupi, Hassan, Chikmagalur and Madikeri are among the travellers.

Till September 12, as many as 1000 pilgrims will leave for Hajj.