Indian pilgrims joined millions of worshippers at Arafat as the core rituals of Haj 2026 began in Saudi Arabia. …reports Asian Lite News Desk
Indian pilgrims joined millions of worshippers at Arafat on Tuesday as the core rituals of Hajj 2026 began in Saudi Arabia. Indian officials said all pilgrims from India reached the holy site safely and on time for prayers.
Riyadh: Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat on Tuesday for the central ritual of Hajj, with Indian authorities confirming that all Indian pilgrims had reached the holy site comfortably and in time for prayers.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan extended his wishes to pilgrims and described the Day of Arafat as the most significant stage of the annual pilgrimage.
“Today is the day of Arafat. It is the most important day of the core Hajj, where the entire pilgrimage moves from the tent city of Mina to Arafat and spends the day here in Arafat in prayer,” Khan said.
He added that all Indian pilgrims had been transported from Mina to Arafat smoothly through a combination of buses and trains.
“Almost fifty per cent of our pilgrims use the trains, and the rest of them use the buses to move. Everyone is now in Arafat and dedicating themselves to prayers,” the ambassador said.
According to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Ambassador Khan, Indian Consul General in Jeddah Fahad Suri and members of the Indian Haj mission were present at Arafat to assist Indian pilgrims.
Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju also conveyed greetings to pilgrims performing Haj.
In a message posted on X, Rijiju said he hoped the sacred journey would strengthen the values of compassion, harmony and unity.
“On the very solemn occasion of Haj pilgrims assembling at the sacred plains of Arafat for the core rituals of Haj 2026, I convey my heartfelt greetings and prayers to all the Hajis,” he posted.
Earlier this week, Ambassador Khan met Karnataka’s Minister for Municipal Administration and Haj Rahim Khan in Mecca to review preparations ahead of the pilgrimage period.
On Saturday, Khan also visited Mecca to interact with Indian pilgrims and assess arrangements related to accommodation, medical services and transportation.
The Indian Embassy said the ambassador reviewed preparations with consular officials, coordinators and medical teams, while also inspecting clinics and facilities set up for Indian pilgrims.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for this year’s Haj pilgrimage, which is taking place amid renewed hopes for peace in West Asia.
