Hajj
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Saudi Arabia introduces Nusuk Card: Mandatory digital pass for Hajj pilgrims. Check details
World | Dec 08, 2025, 02:01 PM ISTHajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory at least once in a lifetime for all physically and financially capable Muslims. It takes place in the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
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Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia announces strict penalties for rule violations | Check regulations, details
World | May 05, 2025, 02:54 PM ISTAn advisory has been issued by the Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry warning of substantial fines, deportations, and entry bans for those who attempt to perform Hajj without proper permits or aid others to do so.
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How does Saudi Arabia decide the Hajj quota for each country every year? Explained
Explainers | Apr 17, 2025, 01:32 PM ISTHajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca-- the holiest city for Muslims. In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba, the "House of Allah", in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
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How food is arranged for Hajj pilgrims: Take a look at behind-the-scenes of feeding faithful
Explainers | Apr 15, 2025, 05:07 PM ISTHajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory once in a lifetime for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it.
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Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends visas for 14 countries, including India | Here's why
World | Apr 07, 2025, 12:06 PM ISTSaudi Arabia has temporarily suspended visa issuance for 14 countries, including India, ahead of Hajj 2025. The suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and family visas, aims to curb unauthorised Hajj participation and illegal employment by travelers during the pilgrimage season.
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Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1,300 Muslims, Saudi Arabia accuses travel agencies for deaths
World | Jun 24, 2024, 09:24 AM ISTIn Saudi Arabia, temperatures soared above 46 degrees Celsius and 49 degrees Celsius in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city. This resulted in a high number of deaths this year, according to authorities.
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At least 98 Indian pilgrims die of heatstroke during hajj, MEA clarifies amid conflicting reports
World | Jun 21, 2024, 05:54 PM ISTJaiswal said at least six people died on Arafah Day, four were killed in separate accidents. He said the death toll in 2023 was much higher. According to Jaiswal, at least 187 Indians were killed during hajj last year.
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Hajj: At least 550 pilgrims die of heatstroke as temp climbs 50°C, maximum belongs to THIS country
World | Jun 19, 2024, 05:33 PM ISTAt Mina and the Grand Mosque, cooling stations on the roads leading to the mount and in its surrounding areas sprayed pilgrims with water to help combat the heat, which had already climbed to 47C at Mount Arafat, according to Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology.
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Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO
World | Jun 16, 2024, 03:08 PM ISTSaudi authorities expect the number of pilgrims this year to exceed two million, approaching pre-coronavirus pandemic levels. "We have to drink a lot of water, we have to stay in shades, do not try to go in the sunny weather and keep the umbrella," Aziz Khan, Pakistani pilgrim.
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5 places to visit during HAJJ Pilgrimage
Travel | Jun 13, 2024, 12:15 PM ISTExplore the top 5 places to visit during the Hajj pilgrimage, from the sacred sites in Mecca to the historic landmarks in Medina. Enhance your spiritual journey with these must-see destinations.
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Delhi: Smriti Irani issues Haj guidelines for 2024, launches pilgrimage specific mobile app
India | Mar 03, 2024, 10:49 PM ISTEvery year, millions of Muslims around the world embark on a sacred pilgrimage known as Hajj/Haj. This spiritual journey holds immense significance in the lives of believers, offering an opportunity to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith.
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Hajj 2023: Check date, history, significance and rituals of largest Muslim pilgrimage
Lifestyle | Jun 26, 2023, 01:41 PM ISTHajj is an incredibly important time in Muslim life and an opportunity to spiritually reconnect with Allah.
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Hajj pilgrimage to be more affordable as govt set to reduce its prices I CHECK DETAILS
India | Feb 06, 2023, 10:43 PM ISTThere will be 25 points marked this time through which a pilgrim can proceed comfortably for his Hajj.
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Saudi Arabia removes restrictions on number of Hajj pilgrims for first time since Covid | Details
World | Jan 10, 2023, 09:13 AM ISTEarlier on January 5, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that people living in the country wanting to perform Hajj this year can apply for pilgrimage, as per the Arab News report.
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Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrim arrested in Saudi Arabia for begging
World | Jun 28, 2022, 01:06 PM ISTThe incident disrupted Hajj management efforts and was in violation of the government's guidelines on Hajj and Umrah.
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Hajj: First flight with 145 J&K pilgrims departs from Srinagar after 2-year COVID hiatus
India | Jun 05, 2022, 10:59 AM ISTThe annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia re-starts this year after remaining suspended for two years due to the Covid pandemic.
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Saudi Arabia says hajj to be limited to 60,000 in kingdom
World | Jun 12, 2021, 07:40 PM ISTA statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted the kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry making the announcement. It said this year’s hajj, which will begin in mid-July, will be limited to those ages 18 to 65.
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No vaccine, no Hajj: Saudi Arabia makes Covid-19 shot mandatory for pilgrims
World | Mar 03, 2021, 03:54 PM ISTHajj pilgrimage in Mecca is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. Saudi had in 2020 annulled the annual pilgrimage due to the pandemic. Later it allowed a limited number of pilgrims to perform the Hajj.
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Hajj 2021 is expected by July next year, to depend on national, international Covid protocols: govt
India | Oct 19, 2020, 03:49 PM ISTUnion Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Naqvi on Monday said that Hajj 2021 is expected to take place by June-July next year but the final decision will be subjected to national and international COVID-19 protocols and standards.
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Saudi Arabia concludes Hajj amid COVID-19 pandemic
World | Aug 04, 2020, 08:45 AM ISTPilgrims on Monday bade farewell to Mecca after Hajj rituals were concluded. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque had provided all relevant facilities for the pilgrims while ensuring precautionary measures against COVID-19.