Nekibur Zaman, chairman of the Assam State Haj Committee, announced on Monday, February 16, 2026, that the month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18, 2026, with Roza (fasting) to commence on February 19, 2026; he said that once Ramadan ends, Haj pilgrims from Assam will begin their journey to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
Zaman, who oversees Haj affairs for five northeastern states, visited Dhubri on the same day and met district Haj committee members at the Dhubri Circuit House to review preparations and training arrangements for the pilgrims.
He said the committee has started ground-level assessments across several districts — from Sadiya and Tinsukia in upper Assam to Dhubri — to identify local concerns and ensure coordinated arrangements. “After Ramadan, we will start structured training programmes. We will deploy 16 trainers along with Haj guides and Haj inspectors. Area-wise experts will also be involved to assist the pilgrims,” Zaman said.
The chairman stressed sensitising pilgrims on international travel protocols and Saudi regulations, adding that the committee is conducting awareness drives so pilgrims adhere to rules during their stay abroad. He said various government departments are cooperating and that student unions and youth organisations are supporting the effort.
For logistics, Zaman said coordination teams are already in place in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi, and that pilgrims travelling from Guwahati will first be routed through Kolkata before proceeding overseas.
Highlighting changes this year, he noted that self-prepared meals will not be permitted at the Aziziya Building in Madinah; buffet facilities will be provided, and the committee has proposed zone-wise table arrangements to minimise inconvenience given differing food habits among pilgrims from Assam and other regions.
Zaman also mentioned discussions on distributing tracking watches to help pilgrims monitor their location and movement, and said, “Once all discussions are completed, we hope for a smooth and organised Haj process.” He added that he will next visit Gauripur to assess grassroots issues.
During the visit, Zaman urged the Assam government to address the concerns of indigenous Goria-Moria-Deshi communities and called for the early formation of a Deshi Development Council to resolve their long-pending issues.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/ramadan-from-february-18-assam-haj-committee-to-begin-pilgrim-training-after-fasting-month-1346970-2026-02-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 15:20:00
