India’s Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Suri, has sent warm ‘Haj Mubarak’ wishes to Indian Haj pilgrims for successfully completing the main Haj rituals. As the departure phase begins, he also expressed hopes for a safe and smooth journey back home for all pilgrims. Fahad Suri, along with Consul Haj Sadaf Choudhary, took part in the Khitamahu Misk ceremony by the Saudi Haj Ministry, marking the end of the Haj-2026 season and honoring excellence in pilgrim services.
Each year, the Saudi Haj Ministry presents performance awards (Labbaytum Awards) to different Haj Missions during the Khitamahu Misk Ceremony. In a significant milestone, India received two Labbaytum Awards in the “Best Haj Coordination and Communication” category, acknowledging the exceptional efforts in facilitating, coordinating, and ensuring the welfare of Indian Haj pilgrims.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah expressed deep gratitude to the Saudi authorities, local service providers, and partner agencies for their crucial cooperation and support in ensuring a comfortable, safe, and spiritually enriching Haj pilgrimage for 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims. The Embassy of India in Riyadh commended the collective dedication, teamwork, and commitment that led to this recognition, thanking the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs for their guidance and support.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan visited Makkah in April to oversee the arrangements for Indian Haj pilgrims and welcomed the first group arriving in Makkah from Madinah by train. Notable initiatives for Haj 2026 include improved digital services through the Haj Suvidha App and the introduction of Haj Suvidha smart wristbands to aid in locating and assisting pilgrims. Additionally, a shorter 20-day Haj option has been introduced for the first time, offering increased flexibility.
