Mumbai, Nov 7 : The first batch of 270 pilgrims bound for Haj left for Jeddah by a Saudi Arabian airlines flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here Saturday.

A large number of people, including representatives of political parties and officials, came to see off the pilgrims at the airport.

Among them were former union minister Ram Naik, city Bharatiya Janata Party Minority Morcha president Haji Hyder Azam as well as representatives of the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Samajwadi Party.

"We greeted the pilgrims, offered them sweets and garlands and wished them a happy and safe journey," Azam said.

The first flight carrying 270 pilgrims left at 10.30 a. m. The second flight with 400 pilgrims will depart at 4 p. m. The third flight carrying 270 pilgrims will leave at 7.50 p. m. (IANS)