New Delhi : The first batch of 900 pilgrims on Thursday left for Jeddah  in three flights from the Indira Gandhi  International Airport in New Delhi to attend the annual Haj pilgrimage.

 Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Revenue Minister A K Walia and Vice Chairman of Haj Committee of India Hasan Ahmed accorded a ceremonial send off to the pilgrims at the airport.

Charge de Affairs in Saudi Arab Embassy Sagar Al Quraishi was also present on the occasion. Dikshit, Khurshid and Walia presented gifts to the pilgrims at the airport. Out of 900 pilgrims, 600 are from Delhi while the remaining 300 are from Uttar Pradesh [ Images ]. Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit congratulated the pilgrims and said every Muslim aspires to perform Haj at least once in his or her lifetime.

She expressed hope that Hajis will pray for peace, prosperity and progress of the country.

Khurshid said the city government deserves appreciation for making excellent arrangements for the pilgrims. He also exhorted the pilgrims to pray for peace and prosperity of the country.