Tech Enable Hajj: India To Equip All 2026 Hajj Pilgrims with Smart Wristbands

India plans to equip all pilgrims for the Haj 2026 with free “Haj Suvidha” smart wristbands for enhanced safety and navigation, featuring GPS tracking, prayer times, SOS, health monitoring, and a Qibla compass, working with the Haj Suvidha App to help seniors and manage the journey digitally, according to Hajj Committee of India

Key Features of the Smart Wristbands:

• Location Tracking: Helps authorities and families find pilgrims.
• SOS Button: For immediate distress alerts.
• Qibla Compass & Prayer Timings: Essential religious guidance.
• Health Monitoring: Tracks basic health parameters.
• Pedometer: Counts steps taken during the pilgrimage.
• Connectivity: Includes an IoT SIM/eSIM with data for use in Saudi Arabia.

Why the Wristbands?

• Support for Seniors: Many pilgrims are elderly and less comfortable with smartphones, making these simple, all-in-one devices ideal.
• Digital Ecosystem: Integrates with the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for a comprehensive digital experience.
• Improved Safety: Allows authorities to monitor pilgrims during the 45-day journey.

Implementation:

• The Haj Committee of India is procuring these smartwatches for approximately 122,518 pilgrims for Haj 2026.
• Training for usage will occur in early 2026, with devices distributed before travel.