Cuttack/Kendrapara, Sept. 25: Many families in the state today heaved a sigh of relief as the Odisha Haj Committee said most of the Hajis from Odisha were safe.

Yesterday, at least 717 Haj pilgrims died in a stampede in Mina.

"So far, we have got confirmation that most of the Hajis from the state are safe. We are still in contact with the Central Haj Committee for more details," said Odisha Haj Committee executive officer Sayed Md Aqdas.

Bakri Id celebrations, therefore, proved to be auspicious for Moquim Khan, as for him, the tense hours hadglided by. Khan has been apprised that his relatives, who have gone to Mecca, are safe.

Moquim's brother-in-law Firoz Ahmed Khan and his wife Rehana are in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.

"We had tried to contact our relatives through the local Haj committee and others over telephone. But, we were unable to get in touch with them. However, today, we spoke to them over phone. They are safe," said Khan.<> He said the entire family had been worried. The couple would return on October 14.

Family members of pilgrims from Kendrapara are relieved with reports that all of them are safe in Mina. "It's a big relief for us. We offered Id prayers today for their safe return after completion of their Haj pilgrimage," said a community elder, Mohammad Akram from Jayipura in Kendrapara town.

All the 28 pilgrims from the district are safe.They have talked to their relatives, informing them about their safety. The local mosque committees, too, informed the administration that the pilgrims were safe in Mina, said Kendrapara collector Debraj Senapati.

"My mother, uncle and aunt were in Mina during the stampede. They are safe and sound. Today, I talked to them. They took part in the ritual of stone throwing at Satan's pillar in Mina. Yesterday, I kept on calling them frantically, when the stampede news broke. But, their phones were out of reach. I was overjoyed when my mother picked up the phone today. She said everything was fine," said Madhial resident Fataur Rehman.

"All the Haj pilgrims from Kendrapara are safe in Mina. They have contacted their families and informed them that they would take part in the stone throwing ritual in a day or two," said Fakirabad Mosque Committee secretary Mir Khaliullah.