Haj 2026 to cost over Rs 3.40 lakh; pilgrims instructed to deposit last installment by March 31

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has asked pilgrims selected for Haj 2026 to pay their final, third installment by March 31.

According to the HCoI, Muslim devotees departing from Mumbai embarkation point (EP) will need to pay a total Haj cost of Rs 3.40 lakh, excluding the Qurbani fee of Rs 17,280. Pilgrims flying from Nagpur EP will pay Rs 3.48 lakh, and those from Hyderabad EP will pay Rs 3.43 lakh.

The Haj package includes term insurance via the Life Insurance Corporation of India, accidental insurance through SBI General Insurance, a Haj Suvidha Smartwatch, and an IoT SIM with roaming data, among other provisions, as stated in a circular issued by HCoI chief executive officer Shanavas C.

It has been observed that the cost of Haj has increased compared to 2025. Last year, Mumbai EP pilgrims paid Rs 3.19 lakh, Nagpur EP Rs 3.36 lakh, and Hyderabad EP Rs 3.30 lakh, meaning 2026 rates have risen by Rs 12,000 to Rs 21,000.

Over 1,450 pilgrims from the district and surrounding areas are expected to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Madina this year. Their stay is likely to last between 35 and 40 days.