The state Haj Committee received a total of 11,757 applications, around 2,500 more than last year
TELANGANA sees record rush for Haj 2026
DC Correspondent
Hyderabad, Oct. 15
There has been an overwhelming response from Telangana for Haj 2026, with applications nearly three times the number of seats allotted to the state. While Telangana has been allotted 4,292 seats, the state Haj Committee received a total of 11,757 applications, around 2,500 more than last year. Among the applicants, 772 are aged 65 years and above, 67 are women aged between 45 and 65 years without a Mehram, and the remaining 10,918 belong to the general category.
So far, 1,928 applications from the first list and 920 from the second list have been cleared, bringing the total number of selected pilgrims to 2,848. As many as 4,617 applicants remain on the waiting list. The selected pilgrims have been instructed to pay the second instalment of `1.25 lakh on or before October 31.
Telangana State Haj Committee chairman Syed Gulam Afzal Biabani urged the selected pilgrims to take at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as part of the health and immunisation requirements for Haj 2026. He added that pilgrims suffering from kidney, lung, or heart ailments must submit medical fitness certificates as required by the Saudi Arabian government. Biabani said that, following the request made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy last year, the Central Haj Committee had increased the number of inspectors to assist pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
Haj Committee executive officer Mohammed Safiullah said the Committee has decided to enhance baggage safety, accommodation facilities, and food quality for pilgrims. Further improvements to pilgrim amenities are also being planned. Last year, pilgrims from 13 other States chose Telangana as their embarkation point, and this year, the Committee expects a larger number of out-of-state pilgrims along with an increase in quota. Meanwhile, applications have been invited for Haj trainer and inspector posts.
Hyderabad: There has been an overwhelming response from Telangana for Haj 2026, with applications nearly three times the number of seats allotted to the state. While Telangana has been allotted 4,292 seats, the state Haj Committee received a total of 11,757 applications, around 2,500 more than last year. Among the applicants, 772 are aged 65 years and above, 67 are women aged between 45 and 65 years without a Mehram, and the remaining 10,918 belong to the general category.
So far, 1,928 applications from the first list and 920 from the second list have been cleared, bringing the total number of selected pilgrims to 2,848. As many as 4,617 applicants remain on the waiting list. The selected pilgrims have been instructed to pay the second instalment of `1.25 lakh on or before October 31.
Telangana State Haj Committee chairman Syed Gulam Afzal Biabani urged the selected pilgrims to take at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as part of the health and immunisation requirements for Haj 2026. He added that pilgrims suffering from kidney, lung, or heart ailments must submit medical fitness certificates as required by the Saudi Arabian government. Biabani said that, following the request made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy last year, the Central Haj Committee had increased the number of inspectors to assist pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
Haj Committee executive officer Mohammed Safiullah said the Committee has decided to enhance baggage safety, accommodation facilities, and food quality for pilgrims. Further improvements to pilgrim amenities are also being planned. Last year, pilgrims from 13 other States chose Telangana as their embarkation point, and this year, the Committee expects a larger number of out-of-state pilgrims along with an increase in quota. Meanwhile, applications have been invited for Haj trainer and inspector posts.
