Last group of pilgrims fly to Saudi Arabia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan Havo Yollari national airline transported last group of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on 12 April 2012 for conducting religious devotions, the press-service of the Committee for religious affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan said. Last group included 249 people.

From 1 to 12 April, some 4,000 people were transported from Tashkent to Saudi Arabia on 19 flights. The Committee for religious affairs, Uzbekistan Muslims Board and other bodies are assisting pilgrims.

Uzbek pilgrims star in Media for four days and five nights and visit holy places such as Prophet Muhammad Mosque, Uhud Mountain, etc. After that they travel to Mecca to conduct main devotions of Umrah (small pilgrimage).

A group of six persons, 20 doctors and two cooks help pilgrims from Uzbekistan in Saudi Arabia, the committee added.

The group assist pilgrims to visit holy sights, provide food and helped doctors to assist people.

As of 12 April 2012, 3,250 pilgrims from Uzbekistan visited Mecca and Medina and returned to home. Currently, 430 people are visiting Mecca and Medina.