The first batch of Haj pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia from here Saturday. The 300 pilgrims were seen off by Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed from the airport here.
The state Haj Committee had selected 8,229 pilgrims from 49,403 applicants this season. The committee has also provided an ATM and a SIM card to each pilgrim. The pilgrims would travel by Saudi Airlines, which will operate 32 flight services till October 20.
The pilgrims will return on November 16.