Patna : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting on Saturday to assess preparations for Haj 2025, stressing the need for seamless arrangements to ensure a smooth and dignified pilgrimage experience for Hajis from Bihar.
Held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Sankalp’, the meeting included a detailed presentation by Minority Welfare Department Secretary Mohammad Sohail. He briefed officials on district-wise pilgrim numbers, embarkation points, and the support infrastructure being arranged for pilgrims. Sohail noted that Hajis from Bihar will depart through 10 designated airports across India, with senior officers deployed to monitor arrangements at each location.
Nitish Kumar urged officials to ensure adequate facilities for accommodation, food, transportation, passport verification, vaccination, and foreign exchange. “The state government is committed to providing all necessary support before pilgrims reach their embarkation airports. Every effort must be made so that Haj pilgrims face no inconvenience,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that 2,403 pilgrims—1,391 men and 1,012 women—will undertake the Haj from Bihar this year. He praised the multi-purpose facilities at Haj Bhawan, Patna, and directed that similar arrangements be implemented in Kishanganj, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga and other districts.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, a traditional send-off and prayer meeting (Duaiya Majlis) is scheduled to be held on 1 May at the Maulana Mazharul Haq Auditorium in Haj Bhawan, Patna. Following the review meeting, Kumar visited the Haj Bhawan premises to inspect the ongoing preparations for the event.
Also present were Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Minority Welfare Minister Zaman Khan, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, and other senior government officials.
