A total of 1,249 people selected for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 will not be able to travel, as they failed to deposit the first instalment of Rs 1.52 lakh within the stipulated time. Additionally, 285 applicants have cancelled their pilgrimage for personal reasons.
This year, applications for Hajj were fewer than the allotted quota, and all 18,760 applicants were selected. The Hajj Committee of India had set August 20 as the last date to deposit the first instalment, later extending it to August 25. However, only 17,226 pilgrims deposited the amount by the deadline.
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Uttar Pradesh State Hajj Committee Secretary SP Tiwari confirmed that despite repeated reminders, 1,249 applicants did not pay the instalment, leading to the cancellation of their selection.
He added that the Hajj Committee of India will announce the date for the second instalment soon, and pilgrims will be informed accordingly.