Gaya Stripped of Haj Embarkation Status Amid Plummeting Pilgrim Numbers
In a significant development, the city of Gaya in Bihar has been officially de-notified as a Haj embarkation point for the 2026 pilgrimage season. This decision comes as a direct result of critically low utilization, with fewer than 100 applicants selecting Gaya out of the state's total quota of pilgrims. Consequently, there will be no special Haj flights operating from Gaya this year, marking the end of an era that began over two decades ago.
Historical Context and Recent Decline
Gaya was first notified as Bihar's sole Haj embarkation point in 2003, a milestone celebrated with the inaugural flight flagged off by then Civil Aviation Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. For years, except during the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions, pilgrims from the state consistently departed from Gaya for the sacred journey to Mecca. However, a steep and sustained decline in pilgrim numbers has forced authorities to reconsider its viability.
According to Rashid Hussain, Executive Officer of the Bihar State Haj Committee, the stark reality is that less than 100 of the 2,648 pilgrims from Bihar opted for Gaya as their departure point. This minimal uptake, coupled with the availability of multiple alternative embarkation points, led to the de-notification. Unlike in the past, where pilgrims were limited to Gaya and Kolkata, they can now choose from 11 options, including major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, offering greater flexibility and often more competitive pricing.
Quantifying the Drop in Pilgrim Participation
The fall in pilgrim numbers from Bihar is nothing short of dramatic. Records indicate that in 2015, a robust 7,449 pilgrims from the state performed Haj. Fast forward to 2026, and only 2,648 are scheduled, representing a drastic reduction. Abdul Haq, Chairman of the Bihar State Haj Committee, attributes this decline primarily to escalating costs and significant interstate fare disparities. For instance, in 2025, a pilgrim boarding from Delhi paid approximately Rs 3.27 lakh, whereas the cost from Gaya was notably higher at Rs 4.01 lakh, creating a financial deterrent for many.
Haq further clarified that this trend is not isolated to Bihar. Initially, only five states—Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura—reported fewer applicants than their allocated quotas. Today, that number has swollen to 17 states, including populous regions like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, indicating a broader national pattern of declining Haj participation amid economic pressures.
Broader Implications and Community Reactions
The loss of embarkation status has sent ripples of disappointment through the local community. Activist Tanvir Usmani, who has long provided voluntary services at Gaya airport during pilgrim departures and arrivals, expressed deep concern, labeling the move as a setback for Bihar's image and its service sector. He highlighted that pilgrims and their families traditionally contributed significantly to the local economy through expenditures on transport, hotel accommodations, and various purchases, a revenue stream that now stands diminished.
Adding nuance to the discussion, Professor Ataur Rahman pointed out that rising costs are not the sole factor driving pilgrims away. He criticized the quality of services provided by the Haj Committee, suggesting that many pilgrims are now opting for private operators. These private entities, though more expensive, are perceived to offer superior and more reliable services throughout the pilgrimage period, thereby attracting those who prioritize comfort and efficiency over cost.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Haj from Bihar
Despite the current challenges, the historical context reveals an interesting evolution in quota allocations. Abdul Haq noted that Bihar's Haj quota was 5,000 in 2003, increased to 10,000 a decade later, and now stands at 12,225. This growth in allocated seats contrasts sharply with the declining actual uptake, underscoring a complex interplay of economic, logistical, and service-quality issues.
As Gaya steps back from its role as a Haj gateway, the focus shifts to how Bihar will adapt to this new reality. The de-notification serves as a poignant reminder of the need for competitive pricing, enhanced service standards, and strategic planning to revive pilgrim interest and ensure that the spiritual journey remains accessible and appealing to all devotees in the region.
