Srinagar: The Hajj pilgrimage for 2025 has witnessed a significant decrease in applications, a trend that is being observed not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across India. Despite the Hajj application process starting shortly a month after the conclusion of Hajj 2024, only 4,150 applications were received, and many of the applicants have since withdrawn, reducing the final number of confirmed pilgrims to 3,622, as per HC.
“This year, we have seen a sharp decline in applications for the Hajj pilgrimage, not just in Jammu and Kashmir but nationwide,” said the Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee. “A decade ago, we used to receive between 3 to 3.5 lakh applications, but now, the total has dropped to just 1.5 lakh, leading to an under-fulfillment of our Hajj quota.”
Several factors contribute to this reduced interest. “Many people are increasingly inclined towards performing Umrah, with around 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims opting for it annually instead of Hajj,” the Executive Officer explained.
The rising cost of Hajj, driven by inflation, has also made the pilgrimage more financially burdensome. Furthermore, extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season have become a significant factor as well.
Hajj applications on decline across country: Official
