Srinagar, July 26, KNT: In a significant move aimed at facilitating elderly pilgrims, the Haj Committee of India has partially modified the existing guidelines for Haj 2026 by allowing a new category of companions to accompany pilgrims aged 65 and above. The fresh circular, dated July 25, 2025, and issued by Chief Executive Officer Shanavas C., introduces a key relaxation in the age criteria for such companions.
The updated directive now permits companions aged between 60 and 65 years to accompany senior pilgrims, provided they are either the spouse or sibling of the pilgrim. This decision comes in response to a surge in applications from elderly individuals who often require personal and trustworthy assistance during the rigorous pilgrimage.
However, the concession is conditional. The prospective companion in the 60–65 age bracket must furnish a valid certificate of medical fitness issued by a government medical officer. This stipulation, the Committee explained, is crucial to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe and manageable for all participants.
The circular also reiterates that, apart from this newly allowed category, the earlier rule remains in place—companions outside this bracket must continue to be between 18 and 60 years of age.
To standardise the eligibility verification process, the Committee has fixed July 7, 2025, as the official cut-off date for age calculations in all Haj 2026 applications. This aligns with the formal Announcement Date for the pilgrimage and is expected to streamline processing.
In its communication, the Haj Committee of India has urged all State and Union Territory Haj Committees to disseminate the revised guidelines widely and effectively. The aim is to ensure that intending pilgrims and their families are made aware of the changes in good time.
This policy revision is seen as part of a broader governmental effort to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in religious travel, particularly for senior citizens, while upholding strict safety and medical standards. [KNT]
