The wait is finally drawing to a close! With the Hajj 2026 application deadline passing on August 7th, thousands of hopeful pilgrims across India are now eagerly anticipating the next crucial step. It’s that time of year filled with prayers and patience, all leading up to the ‘Qurrah’ or ‘Qurandazi’—the digital draw that determines who gets to embark on this sacred journey. Let's walk through everything you need to know about the upcoming draw, what happens after, and some exciting new changes for this year.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Hajj 2026 Qurrah (draw) is set for August 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
- ✓ Selected pilgrims must pay an advance of Rs. 1,52,300/- by August 20, 2025.
- ✓ India's total Hajj quota for 2026 is 175,025 pilgrims through the government scheme.
- ✓ A new Short Duration Hajj Package has been introduced, reserving 10,000 seats.
- ✓ The draw will be livestreamed online at hajcommittee.gov.in for full transparency.
The Big Day: Understanding the Hajj 2026 Qurrah
So, what exactly is the Qurrah? Think of it as a lottery or draw. It’s a necessary system because Saudi Arabia allocates a specific number of Hajj permits to each country based on its Muslim population to manage the massive influx of pilgrims. For Hajj 2026, India has been allotted a total quota of 175,025 pilgrims under the government scheme. Since the number of applicants usually exceeds this quota, a fair and transparent draw is needed to select the final list.
Mark your calendars! The Haj Committee of India has announced that the Qurrah will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The proceedings are scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM in the Committee Room at Hajj House in Mumbai. In the spirit of transparency, the entire event will be conducted using a "Digital Randomized Selection (DRS)" process and will be livestreamed on the official website, so everyone can watch it unfold in real-time.
How to Check Your Hajj Application Status
Once the draw is complete, I’m sure the first thing you’ll want to do is check your status. The Haj Committee has made it pretty straightforward. The list of provisionally selected pilgrims, as well as those on the waitlist, will be published on their website. You’ll also get an SMS notification, so keep your phone handy!
Here's a simple step-by-step guide to finding your result online:
- ✓ Head over to the official Haj Committee of India website: hajcommittee.gov.in.
- ✓ On the homepage, look for a link that says "Provisional Selection List".
- ✓ You’ll be prompted to select your state.
- ✓ A PDF file will be available for download. Open it and search for your name or, more easily, your cover number.
If your name isn't on the main list, don't lose hope just yet. You can also check the Hajj 2026 waiting list through a separate link on the website, which is also organized by state. It’s always good to know where you stand.
A Game-Changer for Professionals: The Short Duration Hajj Package
Here’s some fantastic news, especially for working professionals. The Haj Committee of India has confirmed a new Short Duration Hajj Package for 2026. This is a really thoughtful initiative designed for those who may not be able to take extended leave from their jobs. The package involves a total stay of just 20 days in Saudi Arabia, making the pilgrimage more accessible.
A total of 10,000 seats have been reserved for this scheme. It’s a significant number and a first for the committee. If the number of applicants for this shorter Hajj exceeds 10,000, the final selection will also be done through a Qurrah. This is a progressive step that acknowledges the practical challenges many face while trying to fulfill this important spiritual duty.
What Happens Next? The All-Important Advance Payment
If your name appears on the provisionally selected list, congratulations! But here's the thing, your spot isn't confirmed just yet. The next step is absolutely critical: paying the Advance Haj Amount. This is a non-negotiable step to secure your place for the pilgrimage.
For Hajj 2026, the required advance payment is Rs. 1,52,300/-. You'll need to pay this amount by the deadline, which is August 20, 2025. It’s a very tight window, so it's vital to be prepared. The committee is very clear that failure to pay the advance by this date will result in the automatic cancellation of your application. It’s also worth noting that the Haj Committee and the Ministry of Minority Affairs have laid down strict conditions for refunds in case of cancellation, so be sure of your plans.
Your Journey to Makkah: Embarkation and Travel Details
Once the payments are sorted, the next wave of excitement builds around the travel plans. For 2026, there will be a total of 18 Hajj Embarkation Points (EPs) across India. This extensive network makes the journey more convenient for pilgrims from various parts of the country. The list includes major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, along with other cities like Srinagar, Lucknow, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.
The full flight schedule with dates and times for outbound and inbound flights hasn’t been released yet, but it will be published in due course. The likely dates for Hajj 2026 fall between May 24th and May 29th, though the final date will be confirmed after the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon. Pilgrims often keep a close eye on airfares from their chosen point, as costs can vary, a challenge that state committees sometimes work to address to ease the burden on travelers.
A Note on Qurbani (Adahi)
The Haj Committee has also issued some important advice regarding the ritual of Qurbani (or Adahi). To protect pilgrims from potential fraud, they strongly advise using the Qurbani facility provided by the committee through authorized entities in Saudi Arabia. This ensures the ritual is performed correctly and legitimately.
When applying, you'll have the option to opt-in for these Adahi coupons. It’s an optional service, but if you choose it, all pilgrims under the same cover number have to opt-in together, and the decision cannot be changed later. The committee will release a detailed advisory with information on what the official coupons look like, helping you avoid any scams.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that an exciting and spiritually significant time is upon us. The Hajj 2026 Qurrah on August 13th is the moment of truth for countless applicants. For those who are selected, it’s crucial to act swiftly to pay the advance amount of Rs. 1,52,300 by the August 20th deadline. The introduction of the Short Duration Hajj Package is a wonderful development that opens doors for many more to fulfill their dream.
The best advice is to stay glued to the official Haj Committee of India website for all updates, from the selection list to flight schedules. We wish all the applicants the very best of luck. For those who are chosen, may your preparations be smooth and your journey be blessed.
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