Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Sep 29: The first batch of Karnataka Haj pilgrims have reached back home after the Holy pilgrimage. The batch of 134 persons which included 75 male and 59 female arrived at the Mangaluru international airport on Monday, September 28.

666 persons from Dakshina Kannada , Udupi, Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts had gone for the Haj pilgrimage in 5 teams through Mangaluru. The batch which arrived today is the first among the 5 teams to reach home.

Friends and family members in hundreds were waiting for the pilgrims at the airport to welcome them back. Mangaluru Haj committee president Yenepoya Mohammed Kunhi, Udupi district Wakf advisory committee president Yahya Nakwa and Mangaluru airport director J T Radhakrishna were present at the airport.

Two tragedies had struck Saudi Arabia during the present Haj killing several people recently. The pilgrims voiced happiness over the facilities provided in Saudi Arabia during the Holy trip. They also thanked the Indian government for the support.

Kunhi Ahmed from Mudigere said that when the crane tragedy happened during heavy rain and breeze, he and some members of the team were nearby. When the next tragedy of stampede took place, Kunhi Ahmed said they were very far from the site and hence did not see one of the worst tragedies to take place in Saudi Arabia.