Assam: Orientation programmes for Haj pilgrims to begin in Hailakandi

Hailakandi

The orientation training programmes for Haj pilgrims will begin in Hailakandi district on June 30 and July 1.

This was informed by Additional Deputy Commissioner and Member Secretary, District Haj Committee, Amalendu Roy.

281 selected pilgrims – 233 male and 48 female – for Haj pilgrimage 2018 from Hailakandi district have been asked to attend the orientation training programmes organised by the authorities of District Haj Committee at Nazrul Sadan in Hailakandi town. Pilgrims proceeding through private tour operators are also requested to attend the training programmes positively.

Here, the pilgrims are being trained for boarding, lodging, accommodation, currency exchange and other activities to be performed during the pilgrimage

With the help of the authorities of District Haj Committee, both male and female pilgrims will participate in various orientation training programmes to get information on facilities that can be availed by the Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and awareness for the same. “The training will focus on logistics support as well as prepare the pilgrims to confront every situation be it acclimatising to the climactic conditions, food habits or communication barriers,” said Joint Secretary, District Haj Committee, Abul Hussain Mazarbhuiyan.

He further said that the training sessions will stress on the need for the intending Haj pilgrims to carry standard size baggages consisting of two suitcases up to 22 kg each of 158 cm dimensions and a hand bag up to 10 kg of 55cm x 40cm x 23 cm dimensions for both outward and inward journey. “Baggage items other than the specified suitcases and hand bag should not be carried by the pilgrims. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of Haj journey and forfeiture of the entire amount deposited at any stage of the journey,” added Mazarbhuiyan.

Mazarbhuiyan, who is also the master trainer deputed by the Government of Assam, informed that three field level trainers would assist him during the orientation training programme.

During the training programmes, authorities distribute informative pamphlets and experts give lectures on the rituals associated with Haj.

A meeting of the District Haj Committee held at the office chamber of Additional Deputy Commissioner and Member Secretary, Amalendu Roy today decided that medical camps for vaccination of the pilgrims would be held on July 1 and 2.

The members of the committee decided to move the Deputy Commissioner seeking exemption of the government officials and employees who are going to perform Haj from NRC duty. MLA Anwar Hussain Laskar was also present.

The Haj orientation training programmes scheduled earlier had to be deferred due to the unprecedented deluge that affected all the four revenue circles of the district.

This year 3,557 pilgrims from the Northeast region, including Meghalaya and Nagaland are taking part in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Of the total pilgrims, 1,208 alone are from southern Assam’s three districts of Hailakandi, Karimganj and Cachar.