MANGALORE: A large number of Haj pilgrims are expected to leave for the holy city of Mecca from Mangalore this season.

Members of the All-India Haj Committee from Dakshina Kannada who returned here on Saturday after attending a meeting of the committee in New Delhi expressed satisfaction with the understanding reached between the Governments of India and Saudi Arabia on improving facilities for the Haj pilgrims.

The leader of the team that participated in the meeting, Haji Hameed Kandak, said about 85,000 pilgrims are likely to travel to Mecca under the government-sponsored programme and about 55,000 people will make their own arrangements for the pilgrimage.

Giving details about the meeting in Delhi, Mr. Kandak stated that the Saudi Government has agreed to provide 3.5 sq. m for a person in the holy city as against 3 sq. m last year. Groups going on the pilgrimage can have their own agents appointed there to provide catering and other facilities. However, the number of agents has been restricted to one for 5,000 pilgrims.

Registration for Haj 2006 will start from June 1, 2005. There will be only three categories of pilgrims this year, and all have to register their applications by July 18. Pilgrims will be notified about the date of departure through their respective State Governments between September 19 and October 1.

Mr. Kandak stated that the first aircraft carrying pilgrims from India will leave for Saudi Arabia on December 3, 2005, and the last group of pilgrims is expected to return from Mecca by January 15, 2006.

Additional details can be had from Hamid Kandak, official trainer of the Haj Committee, Zuleka Complex, Bibi Alabi Road, Mangalore (phone nos. 2422273, 2444703 or 9448143581).

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