As the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj concluded, sad news emerged from the holy sites in Mecca. The Ministry of External Affairs in India revealed that 98 Indian pilgrims lost their lives during this year’s Hajj season.
The Hajj period, from May 9 to July 22, saw 175,000 Indian devotees journey to the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia. While most returned home safely, the ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the heartbreaking details.
“This year, till now, 98 deaths have been reported,” Jaiswal stated during the weekly press briefing. He explained that 6 were on the pivotal Day of Arafat, while 4 were related to accidents. In comparison, the total number of Indian deaths during the entire Hajj period last year stood at 187.
Jaiswal noted that the deaths this year were primarily due to “natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age” – a grim reality that often accompanies a gathering of millions of devotees.
However, reports from other sources suggest the death toll may be significantly higher. One list circulating online, accessed by the Associated Press, indicated at least 550 fatalities during the 5-day Hajj. A medic cited by the agency even believed the number could be as high as 600.
“I saw a lot of people collapsing to the ground unconscious,” recounted Indian pilgrim Khalid Bashir Bazaz, painting a harrowing picture of the scene.
Deaths during the Hajj are not uncommon, with over 2 million people making the journey to Saudi Arabia each year. The extreme heat that swept across Mecca and the surrounding holy sites is believed to be a major contributing factor, with temperatures reaching a scorching 47°C on some days.
While Saudi Arabia has remained silent on the death toll, other countries have reported losing pilgrims due to the sweltering conditions. For instance, Indonesia reported 79 deaths, and Pakistan reported 31 deaths among its citizens during this year’s Hajj.
The tragic events serve as a sad reminder of the challenges of organizing one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. Logistical challenges, health concerns, and the sheer scale of the event make it an immense undertaking for the Saudi authorities.
The Indian government has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased pilgrims. Jaiswal stated that the ministry is in close coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining Indian pilgrims and to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies.
The Hajj is a fundamental obligation for able-bodied Muslims and a deeply meaningful spiritual experience for millions worldwide. Yet, the loss of life during this year’s pilgrimage has cast a pall over the sacred event, underscoring the need for continued efforts to enhance safety and medical care for the devotees who make this journey.
