As many as 4,717 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with the first group scheduled to depart from Srinagar International Airport on April 18. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, the Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, stated that 4,716 pilgrims have completed their bookings, while the registration process closed in August of last year. All selected pilgrims have confirmed their participation, and most payments have been completed, with only one installment remaining, Dr. Qureshi said. The Hajj flights from Srinagar will operate between April 18 and April 28, during which pilgrims will be transported to Saudi Arabia in groups. Pilgrims were given the option to choose their preferred travel dates and flights, which marks a change from previous years. Previously, flight schedules were allocated by the authorities. However, this year, pilgrims were given a window during which they could choose their own flight and travel date, and in this year, 3,000 pilgrims availed of this facility. Meanwhile, authorities have introduced two key changes for Hajj 2026 pilgrims from J&K, announcing separate accommodation for men and women and a complete ban on self-cooking, with food to be served through authorized caterers. Even if pilgrims are traveling as families, men and women will stay in separate rooms, though they may be accommodated in the same building or on the same floor. Another major change this year is that self-cooking by pilgrims has been completely banned. In previous years, pilgrims had the option of self-cooking. Instead, food will be provided through authorized catering services arranged by the authorities, ensuring standardized and regulated meal arrangements for the pilgrims.