Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Oct 7: The Hajj remains one of the most cherished dreams for Muslims worldwide. But with the rising costs in recent years, this sacred journey is increasingly becoming inaccessible for many in the Kashmir region.
As over 35,000 Hajj applications were received in 2017 by Haj authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, the current year has seen a drastic decline. Despite multiple extensions from Haj authorities for submitting applications, just over 3,500 applications were received for Hajj 2025.
At the same time, Umrah journey is witnessing a notable rise in popularity and demand in Kashmir region for being more flexible and less expensive.
Umrah has become more attractive alternative holy journey for many Kashmiri Muslims in comparison to Hajj, a holy journey which must be performed at a specific time of year and carries a heavier price tag.
Rising Costs of Hajj
The most salient factor behind falling Hajj applications is rising cost. All of which add up to airfare and other logistical costs, makes Hajj unaffordable for a large section of the population.
“We have always dreamed of going for Hajj,” says Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a retired government employee from Srinagar. Adding he says that the costs have doubled in the last few years and that what used to be around Rs 2 lakh has now crossed Rs 4 lakh.
“For a middle-class family like mine, it’s almost impossible now”, says Bhat.
Bhat said that he and his wife had been saving their earnings for years now to fulfill their Hajj dream, but that the sharp price hike forced them to reconsider their plans. Instead, they decided to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage that offers similar spiritual fulfillment but at a fraction of the cost.
“We performed Umrah last year, and it gave us immense peace,” says Bashir. “The costs are manageable, and there is no time restriction. We could go when it was convenient for us.”
Umrah’s Growing Appeal
As Hajj costs rise, more opt for Umrah. The local travel agencies of Srinagar have seen the Umrah bookings increase steadily for the past few years. While the Hajj applications, on the other hand, have broken down dramatically.
Mohammad Younis, senior president Jammu and Kashmir association of Hajj and Umrah Companies said that during the past few years they are witnessing a noticeable spike in Umrah, specially for those who cannot afford the Hajj pilgrimage due to the rising costs.
“Hajj has it’s own Islamic values, but due to the rising costs the holy pilgrimage is becoming beyond the reach of a common person. To experience this spiritual journey, people are opting Umrah now”, he said.
Younis added that during the last three years, over sixty thousand people have gone for the Umrah pilgrimage and that every year around15,000 to 20,000 go for the holy journey.
“There is starting slab of around 1.25 lac for 20-21 day Umrah journey. However, this was not a norm earlier as people would hardly go for such holy journey. Our registered and associated operators have contributed a lot for framing the Umrah packages”, he added.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, this year’s applications for Hajj came down to a low of more than 55% as compared to the previous year.
Abdul Majeed, a travel agent that has been organizing Hajj and Umrah tour also credits the same trend. “Hajj costs have shot extremely high and people are opting for Umrah since it is more affordable. The packages for Umrah can go as low as Rs 1 lakh whereas Hajj packages are now over Rs 4 lakh. That’s a huge difference for families.”.
Majeed explains that the flexibility of Umrah also plays a role in its appeal. “Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, so people are not bound by specific dates. This makes it easier for those who want to go on pilgrimage but can’t afford the rising costs of Hajj.”
Voices of Disappointment
For many, the decision to forgo Hajj is tinged with disappointment. “We had been planning for Hajj for years, but every year the costs keep going up,” says Farida Begum, a homemaker from Srinagar. “It’s heartbreaking because Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who can afford it. But now, it feels like only the wealthy can fulfill this duty.”
Farida and her husband, like many others, have decided to perform Umrah instead. “We wanted to experience the spiritual journey, even if it wasn’t Hajj. Umrah was our best option,” she says, adding that the costs of Umrah are far more within their reach.
Future Outlook
A steep drop in Haj applications from Kashmir has caused ripples of concern within the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee. Officials concede that an increase in costs is a major factor behind any slump in Haj applications.
“We are aware of the decline in applications, and we are doing everything we can to make Hajj more accessible,” says an official from the Hajj Committee. “But the reality is that costs have gone up globally, not just Kashmir and that has impacted pilgrimage.”
With more and more Kashmiris opting for Umrah in preference to the Haj, this trend underlines a broader shift in the religious travel pattern in the region. For many Kashmiris, the dream of Haj continues to remain alive, but untill costs would be more affordable, Umrah seems the preferred path.
For now, the streets of Mecca and Medina will have fewer Kashmiri Hajjis, but the spirit of devotion remains strong. Umrah provides a meaningful alternative for those seeking a connection with faith.
We haven’t lost hope on Hajj,” Bashir Ahmad concludes. “One day, Insha’Allah, we will make it. But till then, we are grateful for the opportunity to perform Umrah and feel close to the Almighty.
