Jammu & Kashmir Hajj 2025:Srinagar, Oct 2: In an unprecedented development, Jammu and Kashmir will forego the traditional draw of lots for Hajj pilgrims for the second consecutive year due to a significant drop in applications. The J&K State Hajj Committee has received only 4,250 applications for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, against a generous allocation of 8,200 slots, leaving almost 48% of the seats unfilled.
Automatic Selection for All Applicants
Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of the J&K State Hajj Committee, confirmed that due to the low number of applications, all 4,250 applicants will automatically be selected for the pilgrimage. This automatic selection contrasts sharply with previous years when the demand for Hajj seats far exceeded the quota, leading to a highly competitive draw of lots.
“The situation is unusual,” Qureshi remarked. “For the second year running, we won’t need a draw of lots as every applicant will be able to proceed with their pilgrimage.”
Declining Application Numbers
The number of applications has dropped significantly compared to previous years. In 2023, over 14,500 applications were received, and 12,000 pilgrims were selected through a draw of lots. In contrast, 2024 saw only 7,800 applications for an increased allocation of 11,500 seats (9,500 regular seats and 2,000 additional). This marked the first time in recent history that the Hajj Committee did not need to conduct a draw due to lower-than-expected applications.
For the 2025 Hajj season, despite extending the application deadline twice, ending on September 30, 2024, the number of applicants remained strikingly low. This decline has raised concerns about the reasons behind the decreasing Quoting this news by greater Kashmir
Economic Challenges Behind the Decline
One of the primary factors influencing the sharp decrease in applications is the rising cost of the Hajj pilgrimage. In 2023, the cost for J&K pilgrims stood at ₹4,16,000, which rose to ₹4,24,000 in 2024. With prices expected to climb even higher in 2025, the financial burden has deterred many potential pilgrims, particularly from middle- and low-income households.
Qureshi noted that financial constraints are the primary reason for this decline in applications. With broader inflationary pressures and economic challenges both locally and globally, the cost of the pilgrimage is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many.
Future Implications
The automatic selection of all applicants is a double-edged sword. While it is undoubtedly beneficial for those who applied, it raises concerns about the sustainability of J&K’s Hajj quota. If this trend continues, it could lead to a reduction in the quota allocated to Jammu and Kashmir in future years, affecting many potential pilgrims.
Conclusion
The decline in Hajj applications in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a broader issue of affordability in the region. With rising costs and decreasing demand, the future of the state’s Hajj quota remains uncertain. For now, the 4,250 applicants for 2025 can proceed with their pilgrimage without the need for a draw of lots, marking a significant shift from the competitive processes of previous years.