KARGIL: Tears, prayers and heartfelt farewells marked a deeply emotional morning at Kharul Hardass and Matayen Drass in Kargil as the final batch of around 100 to 120 Hajj pilgrims from Kargil District of the Union Territory of Ladakh set forth on their sacred journey to the holy city of Makkah on Tuesday.
As dawn broke over Kargil, families gathered in large numbers to bid farewell to their loved ones, many of whom are undertaking the spiritual pilgrimage for the very first time. The atmosphere was filled with emotion, reverence and hope.
The group was formally flagged off by Chairperson of the Hajj Committee for UT Ladakh, Mohd Ali Majaz along with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho.
Ceremonies were held at both Kharul Hardass and Matayen in Drass, where officials and community members came together to offer their blessings.
Before departure, the pilgrims were honored with traditional khataqs (ceremonial scarves), symbolizing goodwill and blessings. ADC Imteeaz Kacho, Chairperson, Hajj Committee Ali Majaz, Hajj Committee Member Nazir Ahmed (Leh District), Hajj Officer Haji Mohd. Ali and Hajj Coordinator Habibullah extended their warm wishes to the pilgrims.
As part of a phased departure plan, the second group of pilgrims is set to leave Kargil later on May 6, followed by the final group the same day.
All Hajj pilgrims from Kargil District of Ladakh are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia from Srinagar International Airport on May 9, heading first to the holy city of Medina before continuing their journey to Mecca.
