Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Minority Welfare, Waqf and Haj Danish Azad Ansari flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Haj 2026 from Lucknow, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage journey with enhanced facilities and technological integration.
A total of 427 pilgrims, including 222 men and 205 women, departed on the inaugural flight. The minister extended his best wishes to the pilgrims on behalf of the state government and wished them a safe and fulfilling spiritual journey.
Government Ensures Comprehensive Arrangements
Addressing the gathering, Ansari said the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience. He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extensive preparations have been carried out both in India and Saudi Arabia.
The minister also shared that he personally visited Mecca and Medina to conduct ground-level inspections of facilities, including accommodation, transportation, and catering arrangements.
“Every effort has been made to ensure that pilgrims face no inconvenience during their over 40-day journey. From quality accommodation to efficient transport and proper catering, all aspects have been carefully planned,” he said.
AI Technology Introduced for First Time
In a significant technological upgrade, the government has introduced Artificial Intelligence-enabled smart watches for pilgrims for the first time.
Ansari explained that the smart watch provided in the Haj kit will offer:
- Real-time prayer (Azaan) notifications
- GPS-based tracking to help locate lost pilgrims
- An emergency button to provide assistance within minutes
“This is the first time AI is being used in Haj services by India. The smart watch will be extremely helpful in ensuring safety, communication, and timely assistance,” he said.
Medical and Support Services Strengthened
The minister assured that adequate medical facilities and support systems have been put in place for pilgrims throughout the journey. Health inspectors and support staff will be available to assist them at every stage.
Prominent Dignitaries Present
The flag-off ceremony was attended by several prominent religious and administrative figures, including Umer Ilyasi, President of the All India Imam Organization; Yasoob Abbas, Shia cleric; Maulana Sufiyan Nizami; Syed Aziz Ashraf of Kichhauchha Sharif; and Saif Abbas, Chairman of the Shia Central Moon Committee, Lucknow.
Senior officials including R.P. Singh, Joint Director (Minority Welfare), and S.P. Tiwari, Secretary/Executive Officer of the State Haj Committee, were also present.
Message to Pilgrims
The minister conveyed a message from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging pilgrims to pray for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation during their pilgrimage.
The departure of the first batch of Haj 2026 pilgrims from Lucknow not only marks the beginning of a sacred journey but also reflects the integration of technology and improved व्यवस्थाएं aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
