Srinagar: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a wave of cancellations among Indian Muslims planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This situation is causing significant financial strain on pilgrimage operators.
Last month, over 904,000 pilgrims completed their Umrah rituals in Makkah, a number that was expected to rise during Ramadan. However, following the recent escalation in conflicts, which resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Israeli and U.S. forces, air travel in the region has been disrupted. This turmoil has severely affected aviation networks, leading to canceled flights and stranded travelers.
Saudi Arabia’s statistics highlight that India ranks third in sending Umrah pilgrims, with more than 1.8 million expected in 2024, a 32% increase from the previous year. Approximately 100,000 Indian Muslims typically embark on their pilgrimage during Ramadan. Ghulam Mohammad, from the All India Haj Umrah Tour Organisers Association, noted, “The cancellation of flights is a major setback. We’ve urged the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance to evacuate stranded pilgrims.”
Unlike Hajj, which is performed annually by Muslims, Umrah can take place anytime. The cost for this pilgrimage ranges from Rs 1.25 to Rs 2 lakh per person, varying based on facilities. Prices tend to increase during Ramadan when demand surges.
Data from Srinagar Airport shows a decline in the number of pilgrims, with a drop of around 2,000 travelers compared to before the conflict. Bashir Ahmad, a local tour operator, shared that a group of 32 pilgrims was recently canceled, impacting their business significantly. Syed Iqbal, another operator with decades of experience, expressed concerns that ongoing fears could affect future Hajj plans.
Last year, around 175,000 Indian pilgrims participated in Hajj, a significant recovery after previous pandemic-related restrictions. Currently, many Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are managing on their own for food and shelter after their packages expired. Some flights have resumed, but many remain stranded, waiting for updates from airlines like Air India.
This situation reflects a deep concern among travelers and a shift in pilgrimage patterns, highlighting how geopolitical tensions can ripple through religious practices and travel industries. According to a 2023 survey by the Global Pilgrimage Council, around 67% of potential pilgrims worldwide are now reconsidering their plans due to safety fears sparked by international conflicts.
These developments underscore the impact of global events on local economies and individual lives, driving home the message that safety and accessibility are paramount in today’s travel landscape.
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AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI, WEST ASIA CRISIS, HAJ AND UMRAH, INDIAN PILGRIMS CANCEL UMRAH, WEST ASIA CONFLICT FORCES INDIAN PILGRIMS TO CANCEL UMRAH, OPERATORS FACE HEAVY LOSSES
