Variations in Hajj Package Costs Across Embarkation Points in Kerala

The Hajj Committee of India recently unveiled the hajj packages for the current year, shedding light on the pilgrimage costs for different embarkation points. Notably, pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia from Kozhikode airport are set to incur the highest expenses compared to other embarkation points in Kerala. Alongside Kozhikode’s Karipur airport, Kannur and Kochi serve as the boarding points for hajj pilgrims. The circular issued by the committee outlines the costs for each pilgrim traveling through these points, revealing a discrepancy in fees.

Pilgrims journeying via Kozhikode, a favored embarkation point for pilgrims from the Malabar region, face a fee of Rs 3.73 lakh. In contrast, those opting for Kochi airport will pay a fixed fee of Rs 3,37,100 each, while pilgrims traveling through Kannur airport will incur a cost of Rs 3.38 lakh. These variations stem from differences in flight ticket prices, with Karipur airport handling the largest number of hajj pilgrims in Kerala.

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is a mandatory religious duty for physically and financially capable Muslims. The circular further highlights varying costs for pilgrims from other regions, such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Vijayawada, and Gaya, with the highest cost being Rs 4,11,600 for travel via Gaya. However, it’s important to note that the amounts mentioned are tentative and subject to change based on actual expenditure.

Pilgrims who have deposited the advance and second installment are required to pay the balance amount by April 27. The rituals of Hajj typically commence on the eighth day of Dhul Hajj and conclude on the 12th or 13th day of the month, culminating in the celebration of Eid ul Adha on the 10th day of Dhul-Hajj.