MAKKAH: All preparations are in place for Indian pilgrims coming on Haj this year in terms of meals, medical facilities and accommodation, according to B.S Mubarak, the Indian Haj Consul on Friday. He said Indian pilgrims will be served three meals a day in Mina and Arafat, consisting of bread, juice and fruit. Mubarak told Saudi Gazette that this year the Indian Consulate has also started a new 24-hour helpline service on the numbers 02-5496000 and 02-5458000 at the Indian Haj Mission in Makkah to assists pilgrims. “This is the first time that such services have been provided for Indian pilgrims,” he said. The Indian Haj Consul said that as of Nov. 3, 115,050 pilgrims had arrived in Makkah and Madina. The remaining pilgrims will arrive before Nov. 10. Mubarak added that 49 pilgrims have died of natural causes since arriving in the Kingdom. All of the deceased were over 60 years of age. He said the rest of the pilgrims are doing well. Some of those who are sick are being treated at various hospitals in Makkah and Madina. This year there are 45,000 pilgrims performing Haj through private tour operators.
