The first batch of 900 pilgrims on Thursday left for Jeddah in three flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to attend the annual Haj pilgrimage. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mr Salman Khurshid, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Revenue Minister A K Walia and Vice Chairman of Haj Committee of India Hasan Ahmed accorded a ceremonial send off to the pilgrims at the airport.

Out of 900 pilgrims, 600 are from Delhi while the remaining 300 are from Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Dikshit congratulated the pilgrims and said, every Muslim aspires to perform Haj at least once in his or her lift time. She expressed hope that Hajis will pray for the peace, prosperity and progress of the country.