The number of applications for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 has seen a big decrease, not just in Jammu and Kashmir but all over India. Although the application process started soon after Hajj 2024 ended, only 4,150 applications have been received so far. Many people have withdrawn their applications, leaving only 3,622 confirmed pilgrims, according to the Hajj Committee.
“This year, we have noticed a sharp decline in Hajj applications, both in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country,” said the Executive Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee. He pointed out that ten years ago, they used to get between 300,000 and 350,000 applications, but now that number has dropped to just 150,000, which means they are not meeting their Hajj quota.
Several reasons are behind this drop in interest. The Executive Officer explained that many people are choosing to perform Umrah instead, with about 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims opting for it each year. The rising costs of Hajj, due to inflation, have also made it harder for families to afford the pilgrimage. Additionally, the extremely hot weather in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season is a concern for many potential pilgrims.
To help those who are going, the Hajj Committee of India has introduced several measures to ensure the safety and readiness of the pilgrims. “We have advised pilgrims to focus on both physical and mental preparation. It’s important for them to do daily exercises, like walking long distances of up to six kilometers, to get ready for the challenges of the pilgrimage,” the Executive Officer said.
The first group of pilgrims is set to leave on April 29, 2025, marking the start of this important journey. The Hajj Committee is committed to supporting pilgrims as they prepare for their spiritual experience.
