Hajj 2026, May 18 -- This year thousands of Hajj pilgrims from India will be performing the mandatory rituals in just 20 days instead of usual 40-45 days, reducing the time by half.

This is being done as part of a first-of-its-kind short Hajj Pilgrimage option launched by the Haj Commitee of India.

On 17 May, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Minority Affairs George Kurian flagged off the first-ever short Haj flight from Cochin International Airport under the newly introduced option for the annual pilgrimage.

The union government has launched this short Hajj package for Indian pilgrims, particularly professionals, this year, aimed at reducing the duration of the pilgrimage while maintaining all essential rituals.

The initiat...