Srinagar, May 4 -- As morning rose in Srinagar city, families gathered to bid goodbye to their loved ones, many of whom were undertaking the sacred pilgrimage for the first time.

Dr. Shujhat Quershi, Executive Officer (EO) of J&K Haj Committee, Bemina Srinagar said that among the 178 pilgrims are 96 men and 82 women, all traveling in accordance with religious requirements.

He said the first flight, under number SG-5304, is scheduled to take off from Srinagar International Airport later today.

"Pilgrims were asked to report to Haj House between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM, where final preparations were made," Dr. Shujhat said, as per news agency KNO.

At the Bemina Haj House in Srinagar, emotions were running high, and tears were streaming down...