Firdous Hassan
Srinagar: A dramatic decline in Umrah pilgrimage bookings from Kashmir has been observed this Ramadan, with figures plummeting by nearly 95 percent this year.
The staggering drop is attributed to a sharp increase in the cost of Umrah packages, leaving many Kashmiri pilgrims unable to afford the journey.
Umrah service providers in the valley cited a surge of over 30 percent in package prices during Ramadan as the primary reason for the drastic reduction in bookings.
Sheikh Feroz, President of the Jammu Kashmir Association of Hajj and Umrah Companies (JKAHUC), revealed that a month-long Umrah package, which typically costs around 120,000 rupees per person, now exceeds 170,000 rupees during the holy month.
“The demand for Umrah from across the globe has significantly spiked the prices of the pilgrimage. This surge has directly impacted the affordability for many Kashmiri pilgrims, especially during Ramadan, which is a highly sought-after time for the spiritual journey,” explained Feroz.
He further noted that the steep price hike has led to a shift in pilgrimage plans among Kashmiris.
“Many Kashmiris, who had planned to perform Umrah during Ramadan, have postponed it to after Ramadan. They are unable to cope with the sudden and substantial increase in expenses. The scheduled opening of schools is also an important factor for low enquiries for the sacred pilgrimage,” he said.
He cited a hike in Umrah packages and an increase in the demand for the pilgrimage from Muslim nations for a drop in numbers in Kashmir.
“This is an enormous demand for Umrah from the Muslim world. Because of financial constraints, the majority of the Kashmiris prefer to perform the pilgrimage when the package rates are relatively low,” he said.
Umar Bhat, another Umrah service provider, said the bookings have fallen considerably for the last month.
“After Ramadan, Umrah bookings will fall further because of the Hajj pilgrimage. Umrah service providers mostly receive inquiries during the winter season,” he said.
