Leh, Apr 04: The Haj Orientation and Training Programme for pilgrims from Leh district was conducted on Saturday at the ACD Meeting Hall, with 67 prospective pilgrims attending the session ahead of the Haj-2026 pilgrimage.
Organised by the Haj Committee of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the programme focused on preparing pilgrims for the religious journey, which is scheduled to commence later this month. Officials said that a total of 325 pilgrims from Ladakh have been selected for Haj this year, with departures to Madinah expected to begin from April 27 onwards.
The session was attended by Chairperson of the Haj Committee UT Ladakh, Haji Mohd Ali Majaz, along with committee members Nazir Ahmad and Mirza Hussain, and Assistant Executive Officer Haji Mohd Ali. As part of the proceedings, a traditional khatak was presented as a gesture of goodwill and respect to the head of the religious organisation.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Leh, Delex Namgyal, extended his greetings to the pilgrims and conveyed his wishes for a safe and smooth pilgrimage. The event also witnessed participation from several religious and community representatives, reflecting broad community engagement in the preparations.
Among those present were Sheikh Nazir Ahmad Sharifi, Vice President of Anjuman Imamia Leh; Sheikh Zainul Abidin, President of Majlis-e-Ulama Leh; Mohd Ramzan, Advocate and Vice President of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Leh; Haji Mulvee Mohab Ali of Nurbakhshia Sofiya Leh; and representatives from women’s wings of local organisations, including Shyma Nasreen and Asha Mallo.
The training sessions were conducted by a team comprising Haj trainers Iftikhar Hussain and Khalil-ur-Rehman, State Haj Inspector Syed Altaf Hussain, and coordinator Habibullah. The trainers briefed participants on logistical arrangements, rituals, and travel protocols associated with the pilgrimage.
Officials outlined the upcoming schedule for further training sessions across Ladakh, with programmes planned in Turtuk on April 6, Kargil from April 9 to 11, and Drass headquarters on April 13.
The programme concluded with prayers offered for peace and well-being in Ladakh, the country, and across the world, as authorities continue preparations to facilitate the annual pilgrimage.
