First batch of 820 Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar are leaving for their annual pilgrimage. The pilgrims will fly in four special flights arranged by the Hajj Committee from Srinagar Airport. This year around 10,200 pilgrims from India are expected to visit Mecca for annual pilgrimage. The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah, Salat, Zakat and Sawm. The Hajj is the second largest annual gathering of Muslims in the world.