Across most of India, millions are marking the joyous occasion of Eid Al Adha this Thursday, though the festivities began a day early in Jammu and Kashmir. In states like Kerala, the celebration has extended into a two-day public holiday, reflecting the regional variations in the lunar calendar sighting. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir has encouraged the public to observe the festival with humility and responsibility, specifically urging citizens to maintain cleanliness while performing traditional sacrifices and to prioritize helping the less fortunate in their communities.

For the approximately 175,000 Indian pilgrims currently performing Hajj, the Indian government has streamlined the experience through the ‘Haj Suvidha’ app and extensive on-ground support. Officials in Jeddah, working closely with Saudi authorities, have established a robust network of medical clinics, hospitality centers, and branch offices across Makkah, Madinah, and the Jeddah airport to ensure the safety and well-being of the travelers. This massive coordination effort underscores the commitment to providing seamless logistics, from transport management to emergency assistance, for all Indian pilgrims during this sacred journey.