<span style="color: #222222;">In Jammu and Kashmir, the annual Hajj pilgrimage-2024 from the Union Territory will see no draw of lots as all the applicants will be selected automatically. This unprecedented move comes as the number of Hajj aspirants falls below the total seats allocated by the Centre for J&K. <br />''<br />''Traditionally, J&K faced the challenge of accommodating two times more aspirants than the available seats, necessitating a draw of lots. However, in a notable twist, the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage season will witness no such draw, as the number of applicants stands at a mere 7800 up to the last date for submission of the applications, while the allotted seats for J&K exceed a substantial 11,500. This imbalance implies that for the first time, all applicants will be accommodated without the need for a draw of lots, marking a distinctive departure from previous practices. However, the first flight for the Hajj pilgrimage 2024 is scheduled to depart from the Srinagar embarkation point on May 9. Last year, 12,052 individuals undertook the sacred journey from the same embarkation point.</span><br />