DUSHANBE, September 21, Asia-Plus — Sub-divisions of the religious affairs directorate of the Ministry of Culture (MoC) in the provinces have begun accepting applications from Muslins wanting to make Hajj (the holy journey to Mecca) this year.
The source at the MoC religious affairs directorate said that in the regions, the deadline for accepting documents is October 20. “Beginning on October 21, this procedure will continue at the religious affairs directorate in Dushanbe,” the source said, adding that in Dushanbe, the procedure will last until November 20.
Tajik pilgrims will fly to Saudi Arabia from both Dushanbe and Khujand. Tajik national air carrier TajikAir will operate these flights.
The source further added that this year, the trip to Mecca will cost US $2,700, $200 more than last year. According to him, the price increase is linked to providing pilgrims with three meals a day and a 40 percent rise in prices of hotels in Mecca and Medina.
“Staying in hotel will come to $650 against last year’s $600, roundtrip ticket costs $1,400, royal tax amounts to $280, meals will come to $150, the sacrificial sheep will cost $100, working group services cost $80, MoC services cost $30 and medical services will cost $10,” the directorate source said.
We will recall that last year, there were no restrictions on the number of pilgrims and anyone over the age of 18 who wishes might make the journey.
