The annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia started this morning. Saudi authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. More than 1 Lakh security guards have been deployed to cope with the record turnout of nearly 25-lakh pilgrims. Around 20 thousand health officials have been also deployed keeping in view the threat of swine flu in addition to other health worries. Meanwhile more than 1 lakh 65 thousand Indian pilgrims are taking part in the Haj pilgrimage. Indian consul Haj at the Indian consulate at Jeddah BS Mubarak told our West Asia correspondent that all administrative and medical service arrangements are in place to help perform the rituals in a safe and orderly manner. A 25 member Haj goodwill delegation headed by Mr. Saifuddin Soz is also accompanying the Indian pilgrims.