Former Bollywood actress Sana Khan is set to embark on her fourth Haj pilgrimage later this year, but this sacred journey will come with a distinctly modern twist. Having left the film industry in 2020 to marry cleric and businessman Mufti Anas, Khan is now among the pioneering Indian pilgrims choosing to forgo the traditional tent city of Mina for a stay in one of the new multi-storey towers.
A Shift in Pilgrimage Accommodation
For the first time, Sana Khan will not be residing in the famed temporary tents of Mina. Instead, she and her husband have arranged to spend the mandatory five days in the Mina valley within a modern tower building, located close to Mecca. This change is part of a broader transformation in the Haj experience, driven by recent developments in Saudi Arabia.
Over the past few years, Saudi authorities have constructed several high-rise towers in the Mina valley. These structures offer pilgrims upgraded amenities compared to the traditional 'khemas'. The new accommodations feature air-conditioned and spacious rooms, cleaner toilet facilities, larger kitchens, and more expansive prayer areas.
India's Haj Quota and Booking Drive
The Indian government has been actively coordinating travel arrangements for this year's pilgrimage. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, through its Haj division, urged private pilgrims to complete their bookings by January 15. In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Kiran Rijiju emphasized, "Timely booking will help avoid last-minute difficulties and ensure smooth, well-organised arrangements for this sacred journey."
Out of India's total Haj quota of 1,75,000 pilgrims for the year, approximately 52,000 are expected to travel via Haj Group Organisations and private tour operators. The remaining pilgrims will utilize the services of the Haj Committee of India.
Market Response and Orthodox Views
The emergence of tower accommodations has created a new market segment. Tour operators are now promoting "upgraded Haj experiences" with "classic and premium packages" that specifically highlight the shift from tents to towers. For instance, Al Khalid Tours and Travels advertises these new options to more affluent pilgrims.
Khalid Kherada from Al Khalid Tours and Travels explained the phased transition, stating, "Shift from tents to towers is being done in phases. Stay at the towers is hassle-free and suited to change in weather."
However, this modern shift has not been universally welcomed. Some orthodox sections within the community view the change with skepticism. A senior cleric, who requested anonymity, commented, "Tents have a primitive feel, even though they're also air-conditioned. However, Shariat, or Islamic laws, do not prescribe that the stay at Mina mandatorily be in tents." This indicates that while the change is permissible, it departs from long-held tradition.
Sana Khan's choice for her fourth Haj thus places her at the intersection of evolving pilgrimage practices, technological advancement in holy sites, and the diverse perspectives within the global Muslim community.
