The substantial increase in charges left many residents financially burdened, as they strive to retrieve their stranded vehicles
For most Muslims, the holy journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to the costs, difficulties and sacrifices involved. For Khan, it's an annual affair, thanks to his tours and travels company.The first Haj
The Indian's wife and two of their three children are Hajis as well.The 'missed' Haj
"But I have still performed Haj 25 times in 25 Gregorian years because I was lucky enough to get two pilgrimages in 1996."
That year, Dhul Hijjah - the Islamic calendar month in which the journey is undertaken - came twice in 1996: January and December.Preparations
Khan said he starts preparing for the Haj season as soon the fasting month of Ramadan ends. "That's when the government of India announces the Haj quotas."
Khan's biggest strength is his family. "They have been very supportive of my endeavours. Not once have they asked me to depute someone else to lead the groups since they, too, believe that this is an honour."Safety guaranteed
"In the 25 years I have been leading Haj groups, not once have I heard a Haja (female pilgrim) complain about harassment. Not once has anyone complained about robberies or any serious crimes.
"It is amazing how the government manages to organise all this so efficiently year after year despite receiving in excess of two million pilgrims."Most memorable Haj
During the Haj of 1997, when a massive fire broke out in the tent city of Mina, Khan and his group of 60 Hajis were just 500 metres away from the tent in which a cylinder exploded. The tragedy had claimed over 200 lives.
How Haj has changed in 25 years
1. Photo ban lifted: According to Takiullah Khan, photography was banned in the holy sanctuary till about a decade ago.
The substantial increase in charges left many residents financially burdened, as they strive to retrieve their stranded vehicles
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