First batch of Haj pilgrims leaves for Madina

VARANASI: The first batch of 220 Haj pilgrims from east UP left for Madina (Saudi Arabia) by a special flight from Babatpur Airport on Saturday.
According to media-in-charge, Haj Committee, Junaid Ali Khan, most of the pilgrims hailed from Varanasi and Allahabad. Ten pilgrims from Mau and one from Jaunpur were also in the first batch. They left on five luxurious buses from the temporary Haj House in the city.
Earlier, state Haj secretary MA Khan received the first batch of Haj pilgrims at the Babatpur Airport. Haj coordinator Akbar Ali and other senior officials of the Haj committee were also present on the occasion.
It may be mentioned here that 4,500 Haj pilgrims, representing 18 districts of east UP region, have been registered for the Haj Yatra that would continue till October 28.