GUWAHATI, Aug 3 - The first batch of 300 Haj pilgrims from Assam and the North East will leave for the holy city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal gave a warm send off to the first batch of Haj pilgrims from the State and the North East at a Felicitation cum Farewell function organised by North East Haj Pilgrims Reception Committee at Haji Musafirkhana in Guwahati here today. The Chief Minister wished the pilgrims safe journey and smooth performance of Haj rituals.
While interacting with the pilgrims, Sonowal wished them well-being, success and smooth conduct of Haj-e-Baitullah.
Sonowal appealed to the Haj pilgrims to pray for peace and prosperity of Assam, the nation and the whole world.
He also asked them to pray for growth and development of the State as well as safeguarding the people against the vagaries of weather.
Extending his heartfelt greetings to the Hajis, Sonowal said brotherhood, equality and mutual affection are the foundations of every religion.
�The essence of all religions is humanism, love, brotherhood, tolerance and compassion for every human being. We are members of the same family. People need to understand that every religion teaches the idea to practice humanity,� Sonowal said, adding that Assam, the land of Sri Sri Sankaradeva and Azan Fakir has been a confluence of different religious faiths.
�The thread of unity and amity that exists between different communities irrespective of caste, creed or religion since time immemorial will continue to become stronger as days roll by and no force on earth can cause a chasm in the age-old unity and amity,� he added.
He said the positive energy the pilgrims will bring back from Mecca should be utilized in developing the State.
The Chief Minister asked the Haj Committee to ensure that pilgrims face no difficulty while performing Haj.
Sonowal presented gifts to the Haj pilgrims containing a pouch for carrying passport visa and other documents, medicines and a guide book with important contact numbers.
As many as 4,600 Hajis from the North East will fly to Jeddah from LGBI Airport in altogether 16 flights till August 14 through the State Haj Committee.
The farewell function was attended, among others, by MLAs Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Bimal Bora, Aminul Laskar and Abdul Khaleque, prominent personality Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, President, State President, BJP Minority Morcha, Mominul Awal and Chairman, North East Haj Pilgrims� Reception Committee, Nekibur Zaman.
Meanwhile, all arrangements of transportation, boarding and lodging, luggage checking and security and hassle-free screening of baggage, refreshment, food, distribution of travel documents and issuance of boarding passes are in place for the Haj pilgrims.
The LGBI is one of the 21 embarkation points for the Haj pilgrims in the country.
