What is the short Hajj package launched for the first time for Indian pilgrims? Everything you need to know | Today’s news

Hajj 2026: This year, thousands of Hajj pilgrims from India will perform the obligatory rituals in just 20 days instead of the usual 40-45 days, cutting the time in half.

This is being done as part of the first of its kind short Hajj pilgrimage launched by the Haj Committee of India.

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Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian on May 17 flagged off the first-ever Haj short flight from Cochin International Airport as part of the newly introduced facility for the annual pilgrimage.

What is the Short Hajj Package?

This year, the union government launched this short Hajj package for Indian pilgrims, especially professionals, with an aim to reduce the duration of the pilgrimage while maintaining all the essential rituals.

The initiative was introduced at the request of pilgrims working in the business and professional sectors who find it difficult to spend 40 to 45 days away from work, the government said.

Under the new arrangement, pilgrims will be able to complete the Hajj rituals and return within about 20 days instead of the usual extended stay.

As part of this special program, up to 10,000 pilgrims will travel this year.

“Introduced for the first time this year, the short Hajj package was designed based on feedback from pilgrims, especially working professionals and businessmen, who were looking for an option to return early after completing the basic rituals of Hajj. In this category, 10,000 pilgrims will undergo Hajj with a reduced stay of approximately 20 days in the Kingdom of Ha4-Saudi Arabia (KSA Saudi Arabia4) days,” the government said in a statement.

While the first flight took off from Kochi on Sunday, more flights are planned from major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.

What is the duration of the short Hajj package?

The short Hajj package will run from May 17 to June 5, allowing pilgrims to complete their journey and return in a shorter time frame compared to the regular pilgrimage schedule.

The government said the move aims to make the pilgrimage more accessible and manageable for working professionals, while ensuring that all religious obligations are fulfilled.

When does Hajj 2026 start?

Saudi Arabia announced that Monday, May 18, is the first day of Zil Hajj, or Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, after a crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom. The announcement sets in motion a succession of important dates observed by Muslims around the world, including Arafah Day and Eid-ul-Adha.

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The Day of Arafah, the most important part of the Hajj journey and a day of great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, is celebrated on the 9th of Zil Hajj. This means that Day of Arafah will fall on Tuesday, May 26 (9 Zil Haj) and Eid-ul Adha 2026 will begin the following day, Wednesday, May 27 (10 Zil Haj) in Saudi Arabia.

In India, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on May 28. In Kashmir, Eid will be celebrated on May 27.

Key things

• The new short Hajj package allows Indian pilgrims to complete their pilgrimage in 20 days.
• This initiative is specifically for working professionals and business people.
• Pilgrims can fulfill all the essential rituals of Hajj while minimizing time away from work.