DUSHANBE (Asia-Plus) — The first group of Tajik citizens who have made a pilgrimage to the shrines of Islam will return to their homeland on August 18. By the end of August, all Tajiks who have made the pilgrimage will return home.

Before the the return of pilgrims, representatives of the Committee on Religion and the streamlining of traditions and rites will hold talks with them in Mecca and Medina to explain the norms of the Tajik law “On streamlining traditions, celebrations and rites” according to which events on the occasion of send off and meeting pilgrims are held only in the family circle. The law prohibits the organization of Hodzhitalbon and Hojioshi events (pilgrimage treats). Distribution by pilgrims of sacred water Zam-zam and dried dates is not prohibited.