The first batch of Haj pilgrims from the State returned to Karipur on Sunday. As many as 1,200 pilgrims returned on the first day by four flights.
State Haj Committee chairman C. Mohammed Faizi, T.V. Ibrahim, MLA; Karat Razak, MLA, and other Haj Committee members received the first batch of pilgrims at the Calicut airport. Five litres of Zam-Zam (holy water) was given to each pilgrim at the airport.
The Haj returnees of the first day donated ₹1.41 lakh towards the flood relief. The last batch of Hajis will reach Karipur on September 3.
As many as 13,829 pilgrims from the State had gone to Makkah under the Haj Committee this year. Saudi Arabian Airlines will fly 37 services to Karipur and Air India will operate eight flights to Nedumbassery to bring back the pilgrims.