hajj pilgrimage

Bakra Eid, or Eid Ul Adha, will be celebrated with joy on May 28, 2026, honoring Prophet Ibrahim's devotion. Muslims worldwide observe this by sacrificing animals, sharing meat with family, friends, and the needy. The festival involves morning prayers, charitable acts, and the tradition of giving Eidi to younger family members, fostering community spirit and gratitude.

Saudi Arabia has implemented stringent new penalties, including hefty fines and deportation for foreign residents, for attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit. These measures aim to enhance pilgrim safety and manage overcrowding during the annual pilgrimage, with strict enforcement beginning from Dhu Al Qi'dah.

Ibn Battuta's timeless quote, 'Traveling gives you home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land,' resonates deeply with modern travellers. Journeys foster connections, making unfamiliar locales feel like home through shared experiences and human kindness. Upon return, a profound internal shift occurs, altering perspectives and making one feel detached from their familiar surroundings.

Saudi Arabia has implemented strict entry restrictions into Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026, suspending Umrah visas to manage crowds and ensure safety. Only those with valid Hajj permits or official work/residency documents will be allowed entry from April 13. This move aims to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized participation during the pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Card initiative, offering pilgrims deals and discounts across various sectors like retail, transport, and hospitality. This official identification card enhances pilgrim experience by providing access to special offers and ensuring smoother movement throughout the holy sites, reflecting a commitment to improved services.

Saudi Arabia is accelerating Hajj 2026 preparations with earlier visa processing and a fully digital Nusuk platform for millions of pilgrims. Strict timelines and new regulations aim to enhance safety and efficiency, while regional tensions may cause minor flight disruptions. Pilgrims must adhere to digital registration and compliance rules for a smoother experience.

Less than 5,000 Muslims from India are likely to go on hajj pilgrimage this year as the Saudi Arabia has capped the number of pilgrims due to the ongoing pandemic.

‘Bollywood Diaries’ actor Salim Diwan shares his experience of the holy hajj pilgrimage which he began on June 10.

At least 300 members of the city’s Muslim community will visit Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has introduced changes for the 2025 hajj pilgrimage, including a ban on children to ensure safety due to crowding risks. First-time pilgrims will be prioritized and a new installment-based payment option is available. Visa policies have tightened to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended certain visa categories for 14 countries, including India, effective April 13, 2025, due to congestion and logistical issues during the Hajj season. The suspension impacts business, e-tourist, and family visit visas, aiming to curb unauthorized Hajj participation and ensure pilgrim safety.

The External Affairs Ministry on Friday informed that 98 Indians died in Mecca this year during hajj pilgrimage. "This year, 175,000 Indian pilgrims have visited Hajj so far... We have 98 Indian pilgrims who have died in Hajj ... " MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference. According to reports, the death toll during this year's hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has already crossed 1,000 as the intense heat wave pushed the temperature past 100° F in Mecca.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced final deadlines for Umrah visas, entry, and stays, emphasizing Hajj requires a separate visa. The ministry met with Umrah companies to discuss compliance for the upcoming Hajj season and praised their Ramadan efforts. Preparations for the Umrah and Visit Forum 2026 were also reviewed.

In 2025, approximately 1.8 million Muslims will undertake Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca, scheduled from June 4-9. Saudi Arabia's Nusuk Hajj platform is the only official channel for visa applications and bookings. Pilgrims must adhere to visa regulations, travel restrictions, and be aware of guidelines regarding accessibility and permitted areas, with penalties for non-compliance.

Vacant religious sites. Abandoned pilgrim tents. Lifeless hotels. A stunning emptiness — and fears of economic ruin — haunt the usually bustling city of Mecca after Saudi authorities curtailed the hajj pilgrimage over coronavirus. Islam's holiest city usually hosts millions of pilgrims for the annual rite, scheduled for late July.

The hajj pilgrimage in 2024 saw over 1.83 million Muslims performing rituals in Mecca, including symbolic stoning in Mina and visits to Mount Arafat and the Kaaba. Extreme heat posed challenges, with thousands affected by heatstroke. Despite logistical and health concerns, pilgrims expressed dedication to the religious rites amid global conflicts.

Saudi Arabia will restart issuing Umrah visas on June 10. The first pilgrims are expected on June 11. This follows a successful Hajj season with over 1.6 million participants. The Hajj season saw smooth operations across Mecca and Medina. Authorities paused Umrah visas before Hajj to focus on the larger pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has launched a new operations room to manage a surge in Umrah pilgrims, with 18 million arrivals this year, a 214% increase. This initiative, in collaboration with aviation and other agencies, aims to enhance pilgrim experience and safety. The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum highlights sector growth, with over 5,000 agreements expected to improve services.

A 47-year-old Bosnian Muslim has covered a staggering 5,650 kilometres on foot to reach the holy city of Mecca to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage.

Reports of a travel ban on Indians to Saudi Arabia are false, according to sources. Temporary visa restrictions during Hajj are standard practice. UAE leaders congratulated Saudi Arabia for the successful hajj pilgrimage. Indian pilgrims joined millions in Wuquf-e-Arafat, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh ensuring their safe journey. Consul General Fahad Suri acknowledged the support of Saudi authorities.