Economic Challenges and Rising Costs Force Kashmiris to Reconsider Hajj Dreams
The sacred journey of Hajj, a cherished dream for many Muslims, is becoming increasingly difficult for residents of Jammu and Kashmir due to surging costs and economic challenges. Here are the key aspects of this issue:
1. Dreams Dashed by Financial Constraints
Many Kashmiris are struggling to fulfil their long-held aspirations of performing Hajj due to the rising costs. For retired individuals and those with limited savings, the expenses have become insurmountable.
2. Costs Skyrocket to Unaffordable Levels
The total cost for one person to perform Hajj has now reached ₹4.5 lakh. For couples, this means an expenditure nearing ₹9 lakh, which is beyond the reach of many middle-class families.
3. Decline in Applications for Hajj
For the first time in 22 years, the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee received fewer applications than the allocated quota of 7,900. Only 4,300 applications were submitted, with 700 applicants later withdrawing.
4. Inflation’s Heavy Toll
Inflation has significantly impacted household budgets, leaving people with little room for discretionary spending. Prioritising daily needs over religious obligations has become unavoidable for many families.
5. Changing Priorities Among Young Couples
While young couples previously made up a large portion of Hajj pilgrims, they now face the dual challenges of managing family expenses and dealing with economic uncertainty.
6. The Impact on Private Hajj Operators
Hajj and Umrah services, a flourishing industry in Kashmir, are now witnessing a 75% decline in business. Operators are struggling to cope with the reduced demand caused by rising costs and limited income sources.
7. Unemployment and Limited Income Sources
Unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities in the region have further constrained people’s ability to save for Hajj. This financial instability has forced many to put their dreams on hold.
8. Weather Challenges and Changing Preferences
The extreme heat during Hajj in Saudi Arabia has also deterred some pilgrims. Many now prefer to perform Umrah during winter, which is not only more affordable but also easier to endure physically.
9. Public Concerns Over Poor Arrangements
Last year’s incidents, where over 100 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and poor arrangements, including 10 from Kashmir, have also contributed to hesitancy among prospective pilgrims.
10. Income Growth Fails to Keep Pace with Inflation
Despite an increase in the average annual income in Jammu and Kashmir from ₹51,000 in 2012 to ₹1.42 lakh in 2023, the gap between income and rising costs remains significant. This disparity has led to an increasing number of people avoiding large expenses like HajjIn Srinagar, a man who retired from a government job last year and had hoped to go on Hajj decided to withdraw his application, citing his inability to afford the high costs.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he shared, “I have two daughters. When I learned that the cost for my wife and me to perform Hajj was ₹9 lakh, I started worrying about our daughters’ future. Hajj was our dream, but the soaring expenses have made it impossible.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir State Hajj Committee, Dr Shujaat Qureshi, explained that for the first time in 22 years, there was no need for a lottery. Out of a quota of 7,900, the committee only received 4,300 applications, and of those, 700 applicants withdrew their forms. He said, “In these times of inflation, spending ₹4.5 lakh per person is extremely challenging.”
Over the past two decades, the number of people from Kashmir performing Hajj had been steadily rising, with a significant proportion being young couples. This growth also led to the establishment of many travel agencies specialising in Hajj and Umrah services.
Sheikh Feroz, the head of the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj and Umrah Services, noted that the primary reason for the decline in pilgrims is inflation, which has forced people to change their priorities. He stated, “The private sector now treats Hajj and Umrah as a proper industry worth up to ₹1,000 crore. However, this year, operators have experienced a 75% drop in business.”
He added, “Apart from inflation, limited income sources and rising unemployment are also factors. People are reluctantly setting aside their lifelong dream of performing Hajj to focus on basic necessities.”
Pervaiz Butt, the owner of a private Hajj services company, Dubai International, said the drop in demand had been gradual but reached alarming levels this year. “On the surface, inflation seems to be the main reason, but we suspect there may be other factors. We are trying to understand them better.”
Economist Ijaz Ayoub highlighted that inflation and decreasing savings are fundamental issues. Additionally, he mentioned that the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia in recent years has deterred some people from performing Hajj, as many now prefer to perform Umrah in winter when the weather is milder. He added, “While Hajj costs ₹4.5 lakh per person, Umrah costs only ₹1.25 lakh, making it a more affordable option.”
Last year, public anger arose against India’s Central Hajj Committee due to poor arrangements, with over 100 pilgrims losing their lives during the extreme heat, including 10 from Kashmir.
However, Ijaz Ayoub dismissed the idea that last year’s tragedy was the sole reason for the decline in demand. “Those who died were with the government committee. If this was the reason, people would have opted for private operators instead, who charge more but provide better services. But that hasn’t happened.”
He also mentioned that while the average annual income in Jammu and Kashmir increased from ₹51,000 in 2012 to ₹1.42 lakh this year, it has not kept pace with the rate of inflation. “This disparity is why people are now avoiding large expenses wherever possible,” he concluded.
Conclusion
The dream of performing Hajj is slipping away for many Kashmiris as inflation and economic hardships take their toll. While some are turning to alternatives like Umrah, others are postponing their plans indefinitely, prioritising essential needs over spiritual aspirations.
(“The BBC Radio website was also referenced during the writing of this article.”)
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