SRINAGAR: The number of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir has seen a drastic decline, plummeting from 35,000 in 2017 to just over 4,100 applications in 2025. The trend continues despite multiple extensions for applications, with over 700 applicants withdrawing their names this year.
According to official figures, a total of 4,100 people from Jammu and Kashmir applied for Haj 2025, out of which 3,601 were confirmed in the first list. An additional 21 were accommodated under the Mahram quota, bringing the total number of selected pilgrims to 3,622. Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, confirmed that all selected pilgrims have completed the payment of both instalments.
India has been allocated 1,75,025 Haj slots for 2025, with 70 per cent (1,22,550) assigned to the Haj Committee of India. Jammu and Kashmir received 4.89 per cent of India’s quota, along with an additional 2,000 slots, making the total 7,981. Besides, 14 private Haj Group Operators (HGOs) in the Union Territory have been allotted a quota of 750 for this year.
Despite the extended deadline, the number of applications remains significantly lower than the previous years. In 2024, the Haj Committee received 8,147 applications against the allocated quota of 8,200, while in 2023, over 12,000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir embarked on the pilgrimage.
The downward trend in applications can be traced back to 2017, when 35,215 people from the region applied. The number stood at 32,330 in 2018, dropping to 21,566 in 2019. In 2020, the process was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Though 7,000 applications were received in 2021, the pilgrimage was cancelled for a second consecutive year due to the ongoing health crisis.
A district-wise breakdown for 2025 reveals a sharp decline in applications across most regions. Srinagar, which received 2,607 applications in 2024, has seen a decline of over 64 per cent this year, with just over 930 applications. Budgam, which had 873 applications last year, recorded a drop of over 62 per cent, receiving only 320 applications. Anantnag and Bandipora also reported a decline of more than 50 per cent. Meanwhile, Baramulla received 345 applications against 781 in 2024. The only district to record an increase was Doda, where applications rose by over 9 per cent.
The rising cost of the pilgrimage is believed to be a major factor behind the declining numbers. Pilgrims departing from Srinagar must pay approximately Rs 4.2 lakh, while those departing from Delhi pay Rs 3.6 lakh. The significant difference in cost is attributed to airfare, with the ticket from Srinagar costing Rs 1.7 lakh compared to Rs 1.1 lakh from Delhi. However, authorities have clarified that pilgrims are free to choose their embarkation point.
Economic constraints have forced many potential pilgrims to prioritise essential expenses over the pilgrimage. Bashir Ahmad Bashir, a horticulture trade leader, pointed to rising prices and financial difficulties in Jammu and Kashmir as key reasons for the declining interest in Haj. He urged authorities to take steps to make the pilgrimage more affordable.
Many government employees have also cited financial concerns, stating that they are prioritising healthcare and education over Haj due to growing economic strain.
The Haj pilgrimage from Jammu and Kashmir is expected to commence in the last week of April. (With KNO inputs)
