Haj pilgrimage 2026: In a major step to enhance safety and convenience for elderly Haj pilgrims, the Haj Committee of India will provide smart watches to all Hajis travelling to Saudi Arabia next year.
The wearable device will help prevent pilgrims from getting lost in the crowded holy cities of Mecca and Madinah. It will allow real-time location tracking, emergency SOS alerts, phone calls and messaging. The watch will be linked to the existing Haj Suvidha app, enabling immediate SMS alerts in case of any issue.
ALSO READ: Bhopal Metro Set To Make Maiden Run On December 21; Check Timings, Ticket Price, Other Details
The smart watch will also feature:
-Heart rate and oxygen level monitoring
-Step counter
-Qibla compass
-Prayer time alerts
Monitoring will be done from a control room at the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah. Most Haj pilgrims are senior citizens who often struggle with the Arabic language and smartphone apps. Many find the Haj Suvidha app, launched two years ago, difficult to use. The simple, wearable smart watch is expected to address this gap effectively.
This year, 1,087 pilgrims from the Rampur district alone will perform Haj.
Haj Committee To Organise Training For Pilgrims
Smart watches are likely to be distributed by late January or February. The Haj Committee will organise special training workshops to teach pilgrims how to use the device, especially during emergencies.
ALSO READ: Assam CM Meets Union Finance Minister To Discuss Development And Welfare Initiatives
Officials say the initiative will not only boost safety but also give peace of mind to families back home. The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to make the Haj journey smoother and more secure for Indian pilgrims.