Hyderabad, April 18 -- As the first batch of Indian pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, April 18, the Telangana Haj Committee has begun preparations for those departing for the pilgrimage from Hyderabad Airport from May 4.

A total of 6,660 pilgrims from Telangana are scheduled to travel this year from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). The number is likely to rise as 2,500 applicants are on the waiting list, State Haj Committee Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biabani told Deccan Chronicle.

Worshippers will be provided with transit accommodation at the Haj House flight booking and boarding passes, smart watches, baggage screening, luggage check-in, medical care, vaccination, security arrangements, transport from Haj Hous...