SRINAGAR: With only a week remaining before the July 31 deadline for Hajj 2026 applications, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a significantly low response, with just 28.42% of the expected applications submitted so far, officials said on Thursday.
According to data from the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, the Union Territory has been allocated a provisional quota of 7,896 pilgrims. However, as of July 24, only 2,244 applications have been received.
Officials expressed concern over the sluggish response, especially since the final quota confirmation from the Saudi government is still pending.
District-wise data shows that Srinagar has submitted the highest number of applications — 527 against its expected 1,113, reflecting a 47.34% response rate. Pulwama follows closely with 194 applications out of 408 (47.60%). Samba district, however, leads in percentage terms, with 87.61% of its expected applications submitted (19 out of 22).
In contrast, several districts have shown alarmingly low participation. Poonch has recorded just 10.08% of its expected applications, Doda 12.26%, and Kishtwar 17.46%.
“So far, only 28% of applications have come in. We expect a last-minute surge, but the final quota from Saudi Arabia is still awaited,” an official said.
Last year, 3,606 pilgrims from J&K performed Hajj. Officials noted that around 10% of selected applicants typically withdraw before departure.
The data indicates a continuing downward trend in Hajj participation from J&K. A comparative analysis of applications submitted for Hajj 2024 and 2025 shows a marked decline across all districts.
Trade leaders and economic observers attribute the drop to rising travel costs and broader economic distress in the region. “People are grappling with financial hardships, and pilgrimage is becoming increasingly unaffordable,” a local businessman said.
With the deadline fast approaching, officials remain hopeful for a late surge in applications, but concerns persist over whether J&K will meet its expected Hajj quota for 2026. -(KO)
