Now, companions aged 60–65 can accompany Haj pilgrims aged 65+
VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, July 25: In a significant relief for elderly Haj aspirants, the Haj Committee of India has issued a new circular partially modifying the earlier guidelines for Haj 2026. The fresh directive relaxes the age restriction for companions of pilgrims aged 65 and above, enabling those in the age group of 60 to 65 years to accompany them under specific conditions.
According to the circular dated July 25, 2025, and issued by the Chief Executive Officer Shanavas C., the decision has been taken in view of the growing number of elderly applicants for the pilgrimage who require close and reliable assistance. The circular states that a companion aged between 60 and 65 will now be permitted provided the person is either a spouse or a sibling of the senior pilgrim. However, this concession is contingent upon a mandatory certification of medical fitness from a government medical doctor.
The circular also clarifies that companions falling outside this new bracket must continue to adhere to the earlier eligibility rule of being between 18 and 60 years of age.
Additionally, the Committee has fixed July 7, 2025, as the cut-off date for age calculations in all Haj 2026 applications, aligning it with the official Announcement Date for the pilgrimage.
The Haj Committee has called upon all State and Union Territory Haj Committees to ensure the wide dissemination of this update through appropriate channels so that potential pilgrims and their families are well-informed in time. The move is expected to benefit thousands of elderly Haj applicants who were earlier constrained by the strict age limits for companions.
This change reflects the government’s effort to make the sacred journey more accessible and manageable for the elderly, while also maintaining safety and medical protocols.
