Hajj 2025: Final Batch of JK Pilgrims Returns Home

SRINAGAR: The final batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned home on Friday, marking the successful conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage, officials said.

Dr Shujhat Qureshi, Executive Officer of the JK Hajj Committee, confirmed that a total of 3,606 pilgrims from the region performed Hajj in 2025.

“This was the last group of our pilgrims for this year, and also the last flight from India, carrying 160 passengers,” Dr Qureshi said. He added that two pilgrims, one male and one female, both from Srinagar passed away during the pilgrimage and were laid to rest in Makkah.

Regarding embarkation details, he said most pilgrims departed from Srinagar Airport, while 480 left from Delhi, 10 from Mumbai, and 2 from Hyderabad. An additional 242 pilgrims from Ladakh were also facilitated via Srinagar.

On the overall experience, Dr Qureshi said that feedback from pilgrims was among the best in recent years, particularly concerning arrangements in Saudi Arabia. “Only airline services drew some concerns from the pilgrims,” he added.

He also said that one JK pilgrim remains in Saudi Arabia under medical observation. “The J&K Hajj Committee is closely monitoring the case in coordination with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah,” he said.

When asked about the fee structure for the upcoming Hajj, Dr Qureshi clarified that no changes have been confirmed yet and that the rates will be determined once the tendering process is completed.

“Seventy percent of pilgrims travel through the government quota managed by the Hajj Committee, while thirty percent use the private quota. The overall quota for India for Hajj 2026 is likely to be announced by July 15,” he said. (KNO)