JOIN USFirst batch of 100-odd Haj pilgrims leaves Mangaluru
A retired schoolteacher couple from Hassan had been trying their best to go on Haj pilgrimage for the past three years. Lady luck smiled on them only this year.
Their application was selected in ‘qurrah’ (computerised draw of lots) as is the procedure followed to select Haj pilgrims as per the quota for each state.
Sardar Ahmed and Nazhathunnisa, both in their early 60s, are among the lucky few. They were among 100-odd Haj pilgrims in the first batch of pilgrims who left Mangaluru for Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.
The couple was accompanied by Shaukathunnisa (Nazhathunnisa’s sister) and the latter’s son Waheed Ahmed. Shaukathunnisa is also a teacher in Belur, Hassan district.
Ahmed, though visibly happy, was busy unloading his belongings in another bag with Waheed’s help. Reason? His original bag doesn’t fit into the luggage space in the aircraft. A college bag he had kept as an afterthought came in handy.
Successful in first attempt
Mohammed Ishaq was, however, first-time lucky. He was picked for the pilgrimage in his first attempt itself. A businessman from Hassan, he was elated to share the joy when he received the intimation letter three months ago.
Shanaz, a government pharmacist from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district, was waiting to see off his parents and brother’s family. His father Nazeer Ahmed, a 82-year-old headmaster, is going on Haj along with his wife Zahrunnisa, elder son Shakeel and his wife Tasmeen Zehra. As per the rules, five people can travel along with their relatives aged 70 years and above.
Shanaz told DH: “Apart from the allotment, the wherewithal also counts. Each pilgrim has to spend Rs 2.14 lakh that includes air fare, accommodation and sheep for sacrifice (Rs 8,000 will be paid in Indian currency in Saudi Arabia).”
Haj pilgrims have been accommodated on the premises of Ansar PU College at Bajpe. They are provided with food and put up in the classrooms that double up as dormitories.
Prayer arrangements have been made at a nearby masjid. Throughout the day, people streamed in and out of the college, wishing the pilgrims bon voyage.