For all those who aspire to perform Haj in 2026, here’s some heartwarming news. The Haj Committee of India, operating under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, has officially announced the opening of the application process for Haj 2026.

Haj is not just a journey but a profound spiritual experience, a sacred and cherished obligation for the Muslim community. This announcement paves the way for thousands of Indian Muslims to fulfill this deeply meaningful act of faith, with guidance and facilitation provided by the Government of India.

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Haj 2026: From July 7, 2025, pilgrims can apply online

From July 7, 2025, pilgrims who wish to apply for Haj 2026 can now submit their forms online. The application process is fully digital to make it easier and more convenient for everyone. Applicants can visit the official Haj portal at https://hajcommittee.gov.in. They can also use the mobile app “HAJ SUVIDHA”, which is available for both Android and iOS smartphones.

The deadline to apply for Haj 2026 is July 31, 2025, by 11:59 pm. The Haj Committee has clearly stated that no applications will be accepted after this date, so applicants are advised to complete the process well in advance to avoid last‑minute problems.

“All intending pilgrims for Haj 2026 can now apply at http://hajcommittee.gov.in or through the HajSuvidhaApp. Haj Committee of India has opened the application window for pilgrims till 31st July 2025. Kindly read the guidelines & undertakings carefully before submitting your application,” said the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Haj 2026: Applicants should carefully read guidelines

Before submitting the application, it is very important that all applicants carefully read the guidelines and undertakings provided on the website or app. These documents explain the rules, eligibility, and important conditions that every pilgrim must agree to.

One of the most important requirements is that every applicant must have a machine‑readable Indian International Passport. The passport must be issued on or before the last date of the application (July 31, 2025) and must be valid at least until December 31, 2026. This is a mandatory rule, and applications without a valid passport will not be considered.

The Haj Committee also urged applicants to think carefully before applying. Performing Haj is a big responsibility and requires proper preparation both physically and financially. The committee noted that cancellations are allowed only in very serious situations, such as death or a grave medical emergency. Other cancellations may attract penalties and could lead to the loss of money already paid. Therefore, applicants should be fully committed before submitting their forms.

A few days before the announcement, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India, posted: “Attended the Haj Review Meeting for Haj 2025 review & Haj 2026 preparations at New Delhi. Over the years, India’s Haj operations have undergone a major transformation, centered around the comfort, dignity & safety of every Indian pilgrim. With reforms like the companion policy for elderly pilgrims, competitive airfare & strengthened medical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Haj 2025 became safer, smarter & more accessible. Our reform journey continues, towards a seamless, secure & spiritually fulfilling Haj 2026.”

This announcement is an important moment for the Muslim community in India, as it gives them another chance to undertake one of the five pillars of Islam the journey to the holy city of Makkah for Haj. The Government of India, through the Haj Committee, continues to facilitate this spiritual journey by providing support and clear guidance to all intending pilgrims.

For complete details about how to apply, eligibility criteria, fees, and other important information, pilgrims are advised to visit the official website: https://hajcommittee.gov.in.

The Haj Committee wishes all applicants a smooth and successful process as they take the first step toward this spiritually fulfilling journey. Following the announcement, now many will visit the portals to apply for visas to perform Haj 2026.

The Haj: Its history, significance

The Haj is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the world, bringing millions of Muslims to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia every year during the month of Dhuʻl-Hijjah.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, it is a mandatory act of worship for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

The rituals of Haj have their roots in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael). According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was commanded by God to leave Hajar and their infant son in the desert of Makkah. In her desperate search for water, Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and God caused the Zamzam spring to gush forth. Later, Ibrahim and Ismail were ordered to build the Kaaba, which became the focal point of worship.

These events form the basis of the Haj rites, which include circumambulating the Kaba, walking between Safa and Marwa, standing in prayer at Arafat, and the symbolic stoning of pillars at Mina. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, performed his only Haj in the year 632 CE, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, and clarified the correct way to perform the rites.

Spiritual and social significance of Haj

Haj holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims. It symbolises submission to God, self-purification, and the unity of believers regardless of race, nationality, or social status. Pilgrims wear simple white garments to emphasize equality and humility. The experience is often described as transformative, as it represents a chance to cleanse one’s soul and seek forgiveness.

It also reminds believers of the Day of Judgement, when all humans will stand equal before their Creator. Beyond the personal, Hajj fosters a sense of brotherhood and global Muslim solidarity.

Indian pilgrims at Haj

India sends one of the largest groups of pilgrims to Haj each year. The process is overseen by the Haj Committee of India, under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which manages both government quotas and arrangements for private tour operators.

According to an official statement, a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India have been finalised for Haj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats being reserved for pilgrims to proceed through Haj Committee, whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through private operators. India’s large Muslim population and its historic connection to the holy cities make it one of the top contributors to the global Haj population.

In April 2025, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a post on X, “The Government of India accords high priority to facilitating the Haj pilgrimage for Indian Muslims. Due to sustained efforts, India’s Haj quota has risen from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025 — finalised annually by Saudi authorities.”

Global Haj figures

Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform Haj. Saudi Arabia regulates the total number of pilgrims to ensure safety and effective management of the event.

In recent years, the number of Haj pilgrims has ranged between 1.8 and 2 million, with the highest attendance recorded at nearly 2.5 million before the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest contingents traditionally come from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and countries across the Middle East and Africa.

The Haj remains a cornerstone of Islamic worship, steeped in history and rich in spiritual significance. Every year, millions undertake this journey of faith, including a significant number of Indians who join fellow Muslims from around the world. The pilgrimage continues to exemplify the ideals of equality, humility, and devotion that are central to Islam.

More than 1.67 million pilgrims are performing Hajj this year, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics said on Thursday, as worshippers gathered for the pivotal rite of standing at Arafat. Of the total 1,673,230 pilgrims, 1,506,576 arrived from abroad through various air, land, and sea entry points, while 166,654 were from within the kingdom, including both Saudi citizens and residents. Male pilgrims accounted for 877,841 of the total, while female pilgrims numbered 795,389, according to official figures.

Total number of pilgrims over years

• 2019:  Nearly 2.5 million people who completed the Hajj before the pandemic.
• 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 10,000 people were permitted to participate that year.
• 2021:  With the slight relaxation of pandemic restrictions, nearly 58,000 Muslims performed Hajj.
• 2022: With more restrictions lifted, the Saudi government capped the number of pilgrims to 1 million, resulting in about 926,000 pilgrims that year.
• 2023:  That year saw the highest number of Hajj pilgrims since the pandemic, with over 1.84 million pilgrims in attendance.
• 2024: The number of pilgrims sustained from 2023 to 2024, with more than 1.83 million in attendance and 1.6 million of them being international pilgrims.
• 2025: Over 1.67 million pilgrims attended Haj 2025.