HajPilgrimage – Record 815 Pilgrims from Chhattisgarh Prepare for Haj 2026
HajPilgrimage – Chhattisgarh is preparing to send its largest-ever group of pilgrims for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026, marking a significant moment since the state was formed. A total of 815 people from 29 districts will undertake the sacred journey this year, according to officials associated with the state Haj arrangements. The contingent consists of 417 men and 398 women, reflecting strong participation from across the state for one of the most important religious pilgrimages for Muslims.
Medical Screening and Vaccination Completed
Preparations for the pilgrimage have already progressed significantly. The Chhattisgarh State Haj Committee confirmed that all selected pilgrims have completed the mandatory medical examinations and vaccination procedures required by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
State Haj Committee Chairman Mirza Ejaz Beg stated that the health checks were conducted in accordance with guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services in New Delhi. These screenings ensure that pilgrims meet the health standards necessary for international travel and participation in the demanding pilgrimage.
To facilitate the process, the state health department organised medical services across district hospitals in all 29 districts. Health teams examined the applicants and administered the necessary vaccinations to safeguard pilgrims during their journey and stay in Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the coordinated effort between the health department and the Haj Committee helped complete the process smoothly, allowing the pilgrims to proceed with the remaining formalities before departure.
Women Candidates Fielded for Rajya Sabha Elections
Meanwhile, political developments in Chhattisgarh are drawing attention as the state prepares for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Two seats from the state are scheduled to be filled in the biennial polls, and both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress have nominated women candidates.
The BJP has chosen Laxmi Verma, a senior leader associated with the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community within the party. On the other hand, the Congress has nominated Phulo Devi Netam, a prominent tribal leader who is seeking another term in the Upper House of Parliament.
At present, both Rajya Sabha seats from the state are held by the Congress. However, the outcome of the upcoming election is expected to reflect the current political composition of the state assembly.
Assembly Numbers Likely to Shape Outcome
Following the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, the BJP secured a clear majority with 54 seats in the legislative assembly. The Congress currently holds 35 seats. Given this distribution of seats, political observers believe that each party is likely to win one Rajya Sabha seat.
The nominations of women candidates by both parties have also drawn attention to the increasing representation of women in parliamentary politics. The election process is expected to proceed smoothly as legislators cast their votes to determine the state’s representatives in the Upper House.
Campaign Against Child Marriage Concludes
In a separate development, a major awareness campaign aimed at ending child marriage in Chhattisgarh concluded on International Women’s Day. The initiative, known as the Bal Vivah Mukti Rath campaign, travelled extensively across the state to educate communities about the legal and social consequences of child marriage.
The campaign vehicle covered a distance of more than 52,000 kilometres while visiting hundreds of villages. Organisers reported that the initiative reached more than 330,000 people during its journey across the state.
The programme was organised by the organisation Just Rights for Children as part of the Government of India’s nationwide 100-day intensive campaign focused on eliminating child marriage.
Across the country, more than 500 similar awareness vehicles travelled through rural and urban areas to spread information about laws related to child marriage and encourage communities to prevent such practices.
Organisers said the campaign helped initiate conversations in many villages and encouraged local communities to support efforts aimed at protecting children and ensuring that girls continue their education instead of being married at a young age.