New short Haj package likely to be popular among working pilgrims

For the first time, the Central Haj Committee has introduced a ‘short Haj’ package this year, addressing a long-standing demand from pilgrims with limited time. The new option reduces the duration of the pilgrimage to 20 days, compared to the usual 40-45 day stay in Saudi Arabia.

The first batch of pilgrims from Kerala availing themselves of this short Haj package under government supervision is scheduled to depart from Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, on May 17. Three flights from Kochi will transport around 1,000 pilgrims from Kerala.