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Global News

Saudi Arabia Grants Umrah Access to All Visa Holders, Paving the Path to Inclusive Pilgrimage

In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has opened the doors of Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, to individuals holding any type of visa. This announcement, made by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, marks a pivotal moment in facilitating religious travel and promoting inclusivity at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasized the accessibility of Umrah for visitors, stating that individuals with any entry visa can now perform the pilgrimage effortlessly from any location. This decision aims to streamline the process and ensure peace of mind for pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey. Furthermore, the ministry clarified that all visa holders, spanning personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas, are granted permission to participate in the rituals of Umrah. This inclusive approach reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds to partake in spiritual experiences. To facilitate a seamless journey for Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi ministry encourages the use of the Nusuk application to obtain Umrah permits.  In addition to permitting Umrah for visa holders, the ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to designated timings for rituals at the Grand Mosque. This guidance ensures the smooth conduct of rituals and enhances the spiritual experience for all pilgrims. With the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to depart set for June 6, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qa’dah in the current year of 1445 AH, pilgrims are urged to plan their journeys accordingly. This deadline underscores the importance of timely completion of Umrah rituals within the designated timeframe. Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing amenities for international Muslims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage is evident. The country has implemented various measures to facilitate the pilgrimage experience, catering to the needs of pilgrims from around the world. Umrah, a sacred journey to Islam's holiest cities of Mecca and Medina, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. Unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, allowing individuals to embark on this spiritual journey according to their convenience and devotion. By welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and simplifying administrative processes, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to promoting spiritual tourism and facilitating meaningful experiences for pilgrims worldwide.

30 Apr 2024
Global News

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Unity in Spirit: Celebrating India's Harmony on an Epic 8-State Yatra!

Over 1,000 devotees are on a transformative journey spanning 11,000 km across eight Indian states, visiting 12 Jyotirlinga temples, three sacred Dhams, and the Tirupati Balaji temple. Two specially designed trains, Kailash Bharat Gaurav and Chitrakoot Bharat Gaurav, facilitate the spiritual pilgrimage. The trains are adorned with vibrant vinyl wraps showcasing scenes from the sacred destinations, creating a visual spectacle resonating with the spiritual essence of the yatra. The yatra began on 22 July 2023, from Bettiah in Bihar with devotees visiting the majestic Kedarnath at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet, and continued to revered places like Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jagannath Puri, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, and Tirupati Balaji temple. The inclusive approach allows devotees to join directly at any place, fostering unity among participants from different regions and backgrounds in line with "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" – celebrating cultural harmony during India's 75th independence anniversary. Throughout the journey, devotees are spiritually and physically nourished with three meals as prasad, offered as an act of devotion. Undertaking the pilgrimage during the sacred month of Saavan amplifies the spiritual experience, making it a remarkable achievement for all pilgrims. The yatra culminates on 19 August 2023 in Delhi, where the devoted travelers return transformed, having experienced the ethereal beauty and divinity of India's sacred landscapes. IRCTC's unwavering dedication to providing top-notch services ensures this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be etched in the hearts of all pilgrims.

25 Jul 2023
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Doors to Divinity: Badrinath Temple Opens to Devotees Today

Amidst the snow-capped mountains of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand state lies the holy shrine of Badarinath, where devotees flock to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu. The doors of the revered Badrinath temple opened today, on April 27th morning to welcome the devout, who came from far and wide to seek the blessings of the Lord. The temple is home to a self-styled Shaligram stone statue of Lord Badrinath and is one of the 108 incarnations of Lord Vishnu revered by Vaishnavites. The town of Badrinath also boasts four other temples, namely Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri, collectively known as Panch Badri temples. Interestingly, the history of Badrinath dates back to the 8th century A.D when the idol of Lord Badrinath was recovered by Adiguru Shankaracharya from Narad Kund and re-enshrined in this temple. Moreover, the Badrinath Temple is part of the Chardham Yatra, which includes Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that every possible effort has been made to ensure a safe and easy pilgrimage for devotees. The government, along with social and voluntary organizations, has worked tirelessly to improve the travel arrangements based on previous years' experience. The Chardham Yatra attracts thousands of devotees every year, making it one of the most revered religious circuits in India. It is believed that embarking on this pilgrimage will purify one's soul and lead to ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. With the doors of Badrinath now open, devotees have an opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey, seeking blessings from the Lord and experiencing the divinity that surrounds this holy shrine.

27 Apr 2023
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Flying to the Divine: Online Booking for Helicopter Services to Kedarnath Dham now Open!

Get ready for an exciting pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham as the gates are set to open on 25 April. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to start online booking of helicopter services for the temple. According to a recent report by TOI, the trial run of the services was completed by 31 March and bookings will likely open from 1 April. The DGCA has issued guidelines for respective Shrine Boards and District Administration to ensure safe and smooth helicopter operations. IRCTC recently signed an MoU with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) for a period of 5 years to provide helicopter ticket booking services to pilgrims of Shri Kedarnath Dham. As per the official website notice, "Helicopter services for 2023 Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra will be booked through IRCTC heliyatra website." However, before booking the helicopter services, pilgrims must first register with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to visit the holy shrine of Kedarnath. Registration can be done through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand App or via WhatsApp by typing Yatra and sending it to the mobile number 91 8394833833. The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of India's most popular Hindu pilgrimages, encompassing four holy sites - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri - nestled high up in the Himalayas. The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 25, Badrinath Dham on April 27, and the Gangotri Temple Committee will open the temple doors from Akshaya Tritiya on April 22. According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council, a total of 6.34 lakh devotees have registered for the Char Dham Yatra, with 2.41 lakh registrations for Kedarnath Dham. So, get ready to embark on a divine journey to Kedarnath Dham and book your helicopter services through IRCTC heliyatra website.

1 Apr 2023
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