Lucknow, 9 May (HS): Out of the total 18, 010 Haj pilgrims selected for Haj pilgrimage from Uttar Pradesh, the first batch of 285 Haj pilgrims left for Medina from Lucknow's Amausi Airport.

The pilgrims arrived and were welcomed with flower garlands by the Haj Committee. State Haj Committee Secretary S.P. Tiwari told the media that AC buses were deployed to transport Haj pilgrims from Zairin Haj House to Amausi Airport. Low floor buses were installed for older Haj pilgrims.

He said that Haj pilgrims were transported on time before the first flight to Medina. Buses started running from 6 in the morning. Arrangements for pure water were made for Haj pilgrims. In view of the scorching heat, an airy environment was created. All facilities were also given to the people who came to transport people going for Haj.

Every possible assistance was provided by setting up a help desk. Departure for Haj pilgrimage has started from May 9. This trend will continue till May 24. For the convenience of Haj pilgrims, there will be a provision of assistance desk on behalf of the committee at Haj House. UP Haj Committee Chairman Mohsin Raza has been engaged in serving Haj pilgrims since the first day.

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi/Manoj