The first batch of Haj pilgrims left for the airport on May 21 from Haj House in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Minister of State for Minorities Welfare Danish Azad Ansari, BJP leader Kaushal Kishore, Haj Committee Chairman Mohsin Raza and Muslim Cleric flagged off the Haj Yatra. About 25,000 Haj pilgrims would be travelling from Uttar Pradesh, 13,000 pilgrims will travel from Lucknow and around 12,000 pilgrims will go from Delhi. Large number of people gathered at Haj House and greeted each other before embarking on the holy journey.“PM Modi and CM Yogi have sent their wishes to everyone going for Hajj, they hope pilgrims have a wonderful journey and pray for the development of the nation,” said Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari.