Hajj 2026 began in Mecca with over 1.5 million pilgrims arriving despite regional tensions and a fragile Iran ceasefire. Pilgrims braved intense heat, circling the Kaaba, camping in Mina, and preparing for Arafat prayers amid global energy concerns
Around 6,000 Muslims from Telangana go for Umrah every month, with numbers rising during Ramzan. Travel agencies offer 14-day packages costing Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh. More families are joining the pilgrimage, guided by tour operators throughout the trip.
Hajj is a mandatory Islamic pilgrimage performed only on specific dates in Dhul Hijjah, while Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be done anytime. Both include Tawaf, but Hajj has additional rituals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Four out of five deaths were of unauthorised pilgrims in the heat stress related deaths in Haj pilgrimage this year. Over 1300 died in heat stress related incidents, says Saudi Arabia
