KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gyanedra Bahadur Karki, bade farewell to Hajj pilgrims on Monday.
The Minister visited Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to see off 109 religious travelers to Mecca and Medina. Their departure marks the opening day of the Hajj journey for the year from the country.
On the occasion, Minister Karki offered a shawl to the group members, including Harinagar Rural Municipality Chair Gafar Ansari in Sunsari.
The group comprises 79 persons from Sunsari, 24 from Morang, and three from Jhapa.
Likewise, medical team comprising two doctors and a nurse is accompanying them.
The team will reach Mecca Medina via Jeddah Airport of the Saudi Arabia, according to the Nepal Hajj Committee.
Hajj committee Member Secretary Krishna Poudel said this year the number of Hajj pilgrims was reduced due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Before the outbreak of pandemic, it would be managing an annual trip of 1,200 people to Mecca and this year this quota has been fixed at 548.
All aspiring travelers will leave for the destination within the next five days, the committee said.
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