Malappuram:
A total of 49429 applications have been received this year for Haj pilgrimage 2012 in Kerala.
The draw of lots for the pilgrimage was inaugurated by Kerala Haj and industries minister, PK Kunhalikutty at the Haj house in Karippur in Malappuram district.
The quota for this year's Haj pilgrimage from Kerala is 6487.
About 3120 applicants who are above 70 years of age have been directly chosen for the pilgrimage and in the rest 3367 applicants, preference would be given to those who have consecutively applied for four years without getting a chance, PTA Rahim, MLA, and Chairman of the Kerala State Haj Committee said.