Seventy Percent Drop In Haj Pilgrims From Jammu And Kashmir Raises Concerns
Srinagar, 20th April 2025: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a dramatic seventy percent decline in the number of people traveling for the Haj pilgrimage in 2025 compared to previous years, raising concerns among community leaders and officials.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee, only 3,624 pilgrims from the region are set to perform Haj this year, a significant drop from 7,008 in 2024 and 35,000 in 2017. The decline, which has affected almost every district, is being attributed to rising costs, the discontinuation of government subsidies, and other logistical challenges.
Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee, confirmed that all 3,622 selected pilgrims have completed their payments and preparations for the journey. He explained that the quota for Jammu and Kashmir was set at 4.89 percent of India’s total Haj slots, with an additional 2,000 slots available, but the number of applicants fell far short of the allocation. “We received only 4,100 applications this year, and after 700 people opted out, the final count stands at 3,624 pilgrims,” said Dr Qureshi.
One of the main reasons cited for the sharp decline is the steep increase in the cost of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims departing from Srinagar have to pay around Rs 4.2 lakh, while those leaving from Delhi pay Rs 3.6 lakh, with the difference attributed to higher airfares from Srinagar.
The removal of the Haj subsidy and the absence of foreign airlines operating on the route have further contributed to the financial burden on intending pilgrims. “The cost factor has discouraged many, especially those from modest backgrounds, from applying this year,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Baramulla and a former Haj applicant.
Another significant factor is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the pilgrimage for two consecutive years and a lingering sense of uncertainty among potential applicants. In 2021, over 7,000 applications were received from Jammu and Kashmir, but the pilgrimage was cancelled due to health concerns. Since then, the numbers have not recovered, despite the gradual easing of restrictions.
District-wise data reveals that Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, and Bandipora have all seen declines of over fifty percent in applications compared to last year. For instance, Srinagar district received just over 930 applications for Haj 2025, down from 2,607 in 2024. Budgam’s numbers fell from 873 to just over 320, while Baramulla recorded 345 applications against 781 last year. Only Doda district saw a marginal increase of nine percent in applications.
The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee extended the application deadline twice due to the lackluster response, eventually closing it on September 30, 2024. All eligible applicants were automatically selected, eliminating the need for a draw of lots, which was a regular feature in previous years due to high demand. The committee has urged all selected pilgrims to submit their first installment of the Haj fee by the stipulated deadline and has provided multiple payment options for convenience.
Community leaders and religious scholars have expressed concern over the declining trend, emphasizing the need for government intervention to make the pilgrimage more affordable and accessible. They have also called for the resumption of subsidies and the inclusion of foreign airlines to reduce travel costs. According to Dr Qureshi, “The sharp decline in Haj applications is unprecedented and reflects the economic and logistical challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
As the first Haj flight from Srinagar is scheduled to depart on May 4, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth journey for the selected pilgrims. However, the overall sentiment remains one of concern, with many hoping for measures that will reverse the declining trend and restore the opportunity for more people in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake this important religious journey in the future.
