Srinagar, Jul 15: The persistent decline in Haj applications in Jammu and Kashmir has been attributed to the rising cost of the pilgrimage, with officials stating that only 2,600 aspirants have applied for Haj-2027 so far despite just six days remaining before the July 20 deadline.
Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, told Rising Kashmir that the number of applications has witnessed a steady decline since 2023, when over 12,000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Haj. “Only around 2,600 applications have been received so far, with six days still left. We have been witnessing a significant decline in the number of Haj applicants after 2023. The biggest reason is the rising cost of the pilgrimage,” he informed.
The officer said pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir paid around ₹4.18 lakh for Haj-2026, making it difficult for many families to undertake the pilgrimage. “The increase in Haj charges is due to several factors, including general inflation of nearly 7 per cent, the withdrawal of the Haj subsidy after 2018, and the appreciation of the Saudi Riyal against the Indian Rupee over the years,” he said.
Dr Qureshi said the trend was not confined to Jammu and Kashmir alone, with several Northern States also receiving applications below their allotted Haj quota, unlike many southern states where demand continues to remain strong. “In many Northern States, the applications remain below the allotted quota and the unutilised quota is later redistributed to states where demand is higher,” he said.
Explaining the higher travel cost from Srinagar, the officer said Srinagar’s embarkation point remains comparatively expensive because the Airport here is a defence airport. “Saudi Airlines cannot participate in the tendering process for Srinagar, resulting in limited competition among airlines and higher airfare,” he said.
Dr Qureshi said the Haj Committee has been engaging religious clerics and scholars to encourage eligible Muslims to apply for Haj. “Those who are financially well-off and have the desire to perform Haj should submit their applications before the July 20 deadline,” he added.
Notably, 2,600 applications have been received so far against the total quota of 8,000 for J&K. The Haj-2027 application process commenced on June 22 and will conclude on July 20.
