Howrah, July 7: The West Bengal State Haj Committee has commenced the application process for Haj 2027, and the Howrah District Minority Affairs Office has appealed to all aspiring pilgrims to submit their applications well before the deadline instead of waiting until the last moment.
According to the State Haj Committee, online applications will be accepted from June 22 to July 20, 2026, through the Haj Committee of India official website or the HAJ SUVIDHA mobile application. Applicants must possess a valid Indian passport with validity extending at least until December 31, 2027. Other mandatory documents include a recent passport-size photograph with a white background, a cancelled cheque or a copy of the bank passbook, and proof of residence.
Yasmeen Bari, In-Charge Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of the Howrah District Minority Affairs Office, said that a short Haj package will also be available this year. Provisionally selected pilgrims will be required to deposit the prescribed advance amount within the stipulated period. Details regarding instalments of Haj expenses and other guidelines have been issued through the official notification.
District official Ziaul Haque advised those who have not yet obtained a passport to apply immediately at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra to avoid last-minute difficulties.
On the occasion, Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, President of the West Bengal Momin Ansar Sabha, urged intending pilgrims to register only through the Government Haj Committee and not to fall prey to unauthorised or unreliable travel agents. He emphasized that, with the support of the Government of India and the Haj Committee of India, pilgrims receive transparent and well-organised services, including training camps, accommodation, transportation, guidance, and other essential facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable Haj pilgrimage.
Haider Ali Barkati, who returned after performing Haj this year, described Haj as a sacred act of worship that requires sincere preparation, patience, and responsibility.
The programme was attended by Atau Khan, Sabir Warsi, and several members of the public from different parts of Howrah district.
