Umrah & Hajj Guides

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Plain answers for first-time and returning pilgrims from India: how Umrah and Hajj are performed, what they cost, which documents you need, when to go and what to pack. Every guide is written from 36 years of travelling with families from Bangalore and reviewed by our group scholar.

How to perform Umrah: the complete step-by-step guide

Umrah has four essential acts: (1) enter Ihram with the intention before crossing the Miqat, (2) perform Tawaf — seven anticlockwise circuits of the Kaaba starting at the Black Stone, (3) perform Sa'i — seven laps between Safa…

Ihram rules: what is allowed and forbidden

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters at the Miqat. While in Ihram you must not cut hair or nails, use perfume, have marital relations or contract a marriage, or hunt.

Du'as for Umrah: Arabic, transliteration and meaning

The du'as with a fixed wording in Umrah are the intention (“Labbayk Allāhumma ʿumrah”), the Talbiyah, “Bismillāhi wallāhu akbar” at the Black Stone, “Rabbanā ātinā…” between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, and the dhikr…

Umrah for women: mahram rules, Ihram, periods and practical tips

Women perform Umrah exactly as men do, with a few differences: they enter Ihram in normal modest clothing (no niqab or gloves), recite the Talbiyah quietly, do not jog in Tawaf or Sa'i, and trim about 2 cm from the ends of their…

Umrah cost from India in 2026: full price breakdown

A 15-day Umrah from India costs about ₹85,000–₹1,10,000 per person in economy (3★ hotels, quad sharing), ₹1. 1–2. 5 lakh with 4★ hotels within walking distance of the Haram, and ₹2. 5 lakh or more for 5★ hotels at the Haram gates.

Umrah visa from India: documents, fees and process

Indian citizens get the Umrah e-visa through an approved Indian agent working with a licensed Saudi Umrah company.

Hajj 2027: dates, registration and day-by-day rites

Hajj 1448 (2027) is expected around 14–19 May 2027, with the Day of Arafah around 15 May and Eid al-Adha around 16 May, subject to moon sighting.

Hajj vs Umrah: the differences explained

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for those able, and is performed only on 8–13 Dhul Hijjah across Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

Best time to go for Umrah from India

The most comfortable time for Umrah is November to February, when Makkah is 25–30°C. The most rewarding is Ramadan — an Umrah in Ramadan equals a Hajj in reward — especially the last ten nights.

Umrah & Hajj packing checklist

Pack two Ihram sets (men), unscented toiletries, broken-in sandals, a crossbody pouch for your passport and phone, a small prayer mat, a pocket Qur'an or du'a book, a power bank, personal medicines and light cotton clothes.

Ziyarat places in Makkah and Madinah

The main ziyarat sites in Makkah are Jabal al-Noor (Cave Hira), Jabal al-Thawr, Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah, Muzdalifah, Mina and Masjid al-Ji'ranah.