Srinagar, Feb 3, 2025 – The number of Hajj applicants from Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a drastic decline, dropping by over 48% compared to the previous year. Once a region with significant participation in the pilgrimage, J&K has seen a sharp fall from over 35,000 applications in 2017 to just 4,100 in 2025.
According to official data, only 3,622 pilgrims have been confirmed for this year’s Hajj after some applicants opted out. This decline comes despite multiple extensions given by the authorities to encourage participation. Economic hardship and rising costs appear to be the primary reasons behind this trend.
Declining Numbers Over the Years
J&K’s participation in Hajj has been steadily falling since 2017. The region saw 32,330 applications in 2018, which dropped further to 21,566 in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic halted travel in 2020, but when applications resumed in 2021, only 7,000 people applied. In 2023, the number peaked again at 12,000, before dropping to 8,147 in 2024. This year’s figure of 4,100 marks the lowest point in nearly a decade.
Economic Factors Forcing People to Reconsider Hajj
The cost of undertaking Hajj has significantly increased, forcing many to prioritize daily expenses over pilgrimage. Pilgrims departing from Srinagar are required to pay around ₹4.2 lakh, compared to ₹3.6 lakh for those flying from Delhi. The difference in cost is largely due to airfare, with tickets from Srinagar priced at ₹1.7 lakh, whereas Delhi flights cost ₹1.1 lakh.
Many in the region, particularly government employees and middle-class families, cite financial constraints as a major deterrent. “Healthcare, education, and daily living expenses have become more important than ever. People are struggling to afford essentials, let alone an expensive pilgrimage,” said Bashir Ahmad Bashir, a prominent horticulture trader in the Valley.
District-Wise Decline in Applications
Srinagar, which saw 2,607 applications last year, recorded a massive 64% drop, with only 930 people applying in 2025. Budgam, Anantnag, Bandipora, and Baramulla also reported steep declines, with numbers slashed by over 50%. The only district that recorded a slight increase was Doda, where applications rose by about 9%.
Authorities Urged to Reduce Costs
The J&K Hajj Committee has attributed the drop in applications to the rising costs but maintains that pilgrims have the freedom to choose their embarkation point to lower expenses. However, many believe that authorities need to intervene by negotiating better airfares or offering subsidies.
“The government should take measures to make Hajj more affordable. It is the most significant journey for Muslims, and financial constraints shouldn’t become a barrier,” Bashir added.
Looking Ahead
With just 4,100 applications despite multiple deadline extensions, the Hajj authorities in J&K are facing an uphill task in reviving participation. Unless economic conditions improve or costs are reduced, the trend of declining Hajj applications from the region may continue in the coming years.