Muslim worshippers perform prayers around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on August 15, 2018, prior to the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city. The hajj, expected to draw more than two million pilgrims to Mecca this year, represents a key rite of passage for Muslims and a massive logistical challenge for Saudi authorities, with colossal crowds cramming into relatively small holy sites. / AFP PHOTO / Bandar Al-DANDANI Hyderabad: Recently, the Central Haj Committee allotted an additional quota of 864 Haj pilgrims. In this manner, so far, the State got 1172 Addl. seats. It may be mentioned that on the occasion of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince, H.E. Mohammed bin Salman, an additional quota of 25000 seats was announced, out of which, 10000 seats were given to private tour operators and 14975 seats were allotted to Central Haj Committee. In turn, the Central Haj Committee distributed the additional quota of Haj pilgrim to various states according to the size of their population. In this way, Telangana State got 821 additional seats. It may be recalled that in the first phase, 309 seats were allotted for Telangana State whereas 43 more seats were allotted to the Haj pilgrim from the waiting list on account of cancellation of seats allotted earlier. CEO of Haj Committee, Mr. M.A. Waheed told that the Haj pilgrims who got seats under the additional quota may submit their international passports, other documents and medical screening and fitness certificates before 2nd May. State Haj Committee will forward all these documents to the Central Haj Committee before 9th May. Source: Siasat News

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