Poverty, uncertainty? As J&K’s 2025 Hajj applications decline by 56%, district-wise data highlights a new trend

25 September 2024

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Srinagar, Sept 25: The worrying trend of declining Hajj applications in Jammu & Kashmir has continued in 2025. What is striking is that the comparative data for 2024 and 2025 shows a significant reduction in the number of people applying to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, with a total drop of 56% in 2025 across various districts of J&K.

What is perplexing observers is the sharp decline, which, as per data, has not happened previously in the past.

Economic analysts are attributing this decline to various financial hardships people across J&K are facing today, including reduced incomes, increased household debts and the rising cost of living.

“Traditionally, the demand for Hajj exceeded the quota, leading to a lottery system for allocation. However, it seems there is an economic strain which has forced many people to prioritize essential expenses such as healthcare, education, and other immediate family needs over religious pilgrimages”, said Dr Nazir Ahmed, a retired government official who has been associated with the Hajj logistics management.

Data analysis also show that retired senior citizens, who rely on pension income, and well established businessmen comprise of a large percentage of the applicants.

The district-wise data from 2025 compared to 2024 highlights districts like Srinagar and Budgam witnessing the steepest declines, suggesting that the urban economic hub of Kashmir may be facing more pronounced economic hardships.

For Srinagar district, the Hajj application numbers have decreased from 2607 in 2024 to just 937 in 2025, marking a 64% decrease.

The decline in Hajj applications for 2025 across other districts in Kashmir region is notable, with significant percentages. For example, Budgam’s applications plummeted from 873 to 325, a reduction of 63%. Other districts like Anantnag and Pulwama also show drastic reductions, with decreases of 50.5% and 60.5%, respectively. The decline in Hajj applications extends into the Jammu region as well, with districts like Udhampur and Rajouri experiencing notable decreases.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the percentage decreases in Hajj applications from 2024 to 2025 across various districts of Jammu & Kashmir.

– Kupwara: From 451 in 2024 to 283 in 2025, a 37% decrease.

– Bandipora: From 232 to 115, a 50 % decrease.

– Ganderbal: From 276 to 124, a 55 % decrease.

– Baramulla: From 781 to 349, a 55 % decrease.

– Anantnag: From 658 to 325, a 51% decrease.

– Pulwama: From 737 to 291, a 60% decrease.

– Kulgam: From 290 to 159, a 45% decrease.

– Shopian: From 335 to 135, a 60% decrease.

– Doda: From 82 to 75, showing a combined decrease of 9%.

– Rajouri: From 211 to 123, a 42% decrease.

– Poonch: From 146 to 74, a 49% decrease.

– Kishtwar: From 68 to 29, a 59% decrease.

– Reasi: From 68 to 34, a 50% decrease.

– Kathua: From 35 to 24, a 31% decrease.

– Udhampur: From 59 to 21, a 64% decrease.

Economists and observers suggest that these trends are not just reflective of temporary economic hardships but could signify deeper systemic issues that might need addressing to restore economic stability and confidence among the people in J&K.

“Looking at the 2024 and 2025 figures and talking to prospective Hajj aspirants, what emerges is that many people do not have the kind of disposable savings that they could spend on the pilgrimage. People are prioritising other spending”, said Najma Naseem, 63, (name changed) who told Ziraat Times that while she intended to undertake the journey now, but didn’t have the savings required.