Haj pilgrims receive warm welcome at Kolkata airport

PNS

Ranchi

The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jharkhand returned early Thursday morning after completing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage, arriving at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

The flight, carrying around 300 pilgrims from Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, and Ramgarh districts, landed nearly five hours behind schedule. It was originally expected to arrive at 12:20 a.m. but touched down at approximately 4:00 a.m.

Jharkhand’s Welfare Minister Hafizul Ansari was present at the airport to personally oversee the reception and arrangements for the returning pilgrims. He assured that all necessary facilities had been put in place to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for them.

“It is a moment of great satisfaction and joy to see the pilgrims return safely after completing their spiritual journey,” the minister said.

Several community leaders and volunteers were also present to assist in welcoming the pilgrims, including Mufti Anwar Kashmi, Mufti Talha, Mohammad Shameem, Ikram Hussain, Haj Committee members Khurshid Anwar and Mohammad Nasir, along with volunteers Mohammad Latif Alam, Arshad Zeya, Iman Ahmad, Arse Alam, Ramzan, and Hafeez Israel.

According to officials, the second batch of Haj pilgrims is expected to arrive at the Kolkata airport later tonight around 9:30 p.m., with preparations already in place for their reception and assistance.

The safe return of the pilgrims has brought a sense of joy and relief among their families and well-wishers across the state.