Doda I March 20, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh visited Astan Masjid Sharif in Doda today to engage with Hajj pilgrims during Phase 2 of their training program. The initiative, organized by the Doda District Administration, aims to prepare 82 selected pilgrims for their upcoming pilgrimage to Mecca by familiarizing them with the essential rituals and logistics of Hajj.
The training session, held at the revered Astan Masjid Sharif, focused on guiding pilgrims through the Manasik-e-Hajj (Hajj rituals) and addressing logistical arrangements for their journey. Deputy Commissioner Singh assured the pilgrims of the administration’s full support, emphasizing that all their needs would be met to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. “We are committed to facilitating the pilgrims at every step,” Singh stated during his interaction.
This year, 82 pilgrims from Doda district are set to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, departing from various locations including Srinagar and Delhi. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the administration’s efforts to resolve concerns raised by some government employees among the pilgrims, whose permissions to undertake the journey were still pending. Additionally, Singh confirmed that the pilgrims would receive necessary vaccinations ahead of their departure, ensuring their health and safety.
The pilgrims also expressed their need for transportation assistance to reach Srinagar, a request that Singh acknowledged and promised to address. “The district administration is working to provide vehicles for their travel to Srinagar,” he assured, reinforcing the commitment to comprehensive logistical support.
This Phase 2 training session builds on earlier efforts by the Doda administration to equip the pilgrims with the knowledge and resources required for the sacred journey. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims worldwide to Saudi Arabia annually, and such preparatory programs are vital for ensuring participants are well-prepared for its spiritual and physical demands.
The event underscores the proactive role of the Doda District Administration, under Harvinder Singh’s leadership, in supporting the religious and cultural needs of the community in Jammu and Kashmir. As the pilgrims gear up for their departure, the administration continues to prioritize their well-being and convenience.