Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 8: The first batch of pilgrims from the coastal districts, who had undertaken the holy Haj pilgrimage, arrived at the local airport on Tuesday December 7, two days behind schedule.

The batch comprising 220 pilgrims was accorded a warm reception on arrival by the relatives of pilgrims and airport officials. They came by a flight belonging to a Turkey carrier. Airport director, M R Vasudeva, said that the arrival time of the flight was not informed in advance, and that the luggage of the pilgrims is yet to reach here.

The batch, which was part of 820 pilgrims hailing from Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts who took the holy pilgrimage this year, had to wait at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for two days before they were allowed to board the aircraft. The pilgrims said that they had suffered a lot because of extreme cold at night, hot climate during the day, lack of food, and sleep. They complained that their scheduled flight timings were repeatedly changed, and that even after the aircraft came, they had to wait for two hours before it took off. They also are worried about the non-arrival of their luggage which includes a few things they had bought during the pilgrimage.

The remaining pilgrims are expected to arrive in batches hereafter.