SRINAGAR: Umrah tour operators in Kashmir are grappling with a subdued response this season, witnessing a heavy slump in bookings. This decline comes despite a Rs 10,000 reduction in the Umrah package rates compared to the previous year.
Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken any time of the year, usually experiences a surge in bookings and enthusiasm from December to March in Kashmir. However, this year has proven to be an exception, with tour operators facing unexpected challenges resulting in a substantial decline in the number of pilgrims.
Umrah tour operators in Kashmir report that very few people have booked Umrah packages this season.
“We would often get bookings for Umrah starting in October. It is December, and we receive very few people who opt for Umrah. From Srinagar, we receive very few pilgrims compared to the rest of the valley,” said Sheikh Feroz, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj Umrah Companies.
He noted a notable 50 per cent decrease in the flow of pilgrims compared to the previous year and expressed hope that bookings may improve in February and March.
Lateef Ahmad, an Umrah tour operator, mentioned that they have reduced Umrah prices this year to attract more pilgrims. However, the flow remains below expectations, possibly due to financial stress among people.
In 2023, a total of 18 lakh Indian Muslims performed Umrah, the third-highest number in the world, as reported by Saudi Arabia government officials earlier. (KNO)
