Bengaluru Pilgrims : Tragic Deaths of Two Bengaluru Pilgrims in Hajj Heatwave

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Bengaluru pilgrims heatstroke deaths
2. Hajj fatalities in Bengaluru

Two pilgrims from Bengaluru tragically lost their lives during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat. Kouser Rukhsana and Abdul Ansari succumbed to dehydration and sunstroke while participating in the ritual at Mina valley. The bodies of the deceased were buried in Saudi Arabia as per customs and agreements with the government. The Karnataka State Haj Committee confirmed the sad news and mentioned that the victims were scheduled to return home on June 22. This year, over 10,300 people from Karnataka embarked on the pilgrimage, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated and protected from the intense heatwave during such religious gatherings.

Tragedy Strikes Bengaluru Pilgrims at Hajj

The scorching heat of the Saudi Arabian desert proved fatal for two pilgrims from Bengaluru during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Kouser Rukhsana, aged 69, from RT Nagar, and Abdul Ansari, aged 54, from Frazer Town, succumbed to dehydration and sunstroke while participating in the sacred rituals at the holy sites in the kingdom.

Extreme Conditions at Mina Valley

The tragic incident occurred during the Ramy al-jamarat ritual at Mina valley, located on the outskirts of Mecca. The intense heatwave added to the challenges faced by pilgrims, including those from Bengaluru. The unforgiving temperatures proved to be too much for Rukhsana and Ansari, leading to their untimely demise.

Burial in a Foreign Land

According to S Sarfaraz Khan, Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Haj Committee, the bodies of the deceased pilgrims are not repatriated to their places of origin due to customs and agreements with the Saudi Arabian government. Therefore, Rukhsana and Ansari were laid to rest in Saudi Arabia, and their spouses will receive death certificates from the authorities.

Heartbreaking End to a Spiritual Journey

Both victims, along with numerous other pilgrims, were scheduled to return home on June 22. The news of their demise came as a shock to their families and the larger community in Bengaluru. The state government received over 13,500 applications for the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with more than 10,300 people embarking on the sacred journey.

Lessons Learned from the Tragedy

The unfortunate loss of Rukhsana and Ansari serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities pilgrims face during the Hajj pilgrimage. The need for adequate preparation, including staying hydrated and protected from the scorching sun, is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

As the families of the deceased mourn their loss, the community comes together to support and comfort them during this difficult time. The memories of Rukhsana and Ansari will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them, as they embarked on their final spiritual journey in the desert sands of Saudi Arabia.