Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Mar 21: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour across Kashmir today, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal following the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.
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Devotees gathered in large numbers early in the morning at mosques and designated prayer grounds across the Valley to offer special Eid prayers.
However, overcast weather conditions led to a shift in arrangements, with most congregational prayers being held inside local Masjids instead of open Eidgahs.
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The festival passed off peacefully across Kashmir, with elaborate security arrangements put in place at all major congregation sites to ensure smooth observance.
Police and civil administration maintained a visible presence across sensitive locations, while traffic regulations were enforced to manage the increased movement of people.
In Srinagar, the largest congregation was witnessed at Dargah Hazratbal, where thousands of devotees, including several senior political leaders, offered prayers.
Despite chilly and cloudy conditions, worshippers continued to arrive at the shrine early in the morning, resulting in a steady flow of devotees throughout the day.
Authorities had arranged special transport facilities for people visiting Hazratbal and other prominent mosques and shrines, particularly those managed by the J&K Waqf Board.
While most congregations were moved indoors due to inclement weather, select Eidgahs in some districts continued to host prayers with necessary arrangements in place.
Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi said a large number of devotees participated in the prayers at Hazratbal and other shrines.
She said special supplications were offered for brotherhood, peace, prosperity, and the overall well-being of society.
Officials said that adequate security and traffic measures were implemented across Kashmir and that the police personnel were deployed at all major venues to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers without any inconvenience to the public.
They added that special emphasis was laid on traffic management in view of the heavy rush towards mosques and Eidgahs, with local police stations coordinating closely with the Traffic Police to regulate vehicular movement and ensure public convenience.
Meanwhile, devotees expressed hope for peace and stability, both within Jammu and Kashmir and globally. Many said they prayed for an end to violence and conflict across the world.
Abdul Rashid, a devotee at Hazratbal, said offering prayers despite adverse weather carried a sense of spiritual calm.
“There is a unique serenity in such moments. Earlier, it seemed unlikely due to rain, but it turned out to be a blessing,” he said.
Another worshipper, Naveed Ahmad, who offered prayers at the Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Khanyar, said he prayed for an immediate end to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
“It is affecting the entire world and people are losing their lives. We prayed for peace to prevail and the war to end,” he said.
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