Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 27: With pleasant weather prevailing across Kashmir, Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated here today with religious fervour and enthusiasm as lakhs of devotees gathered at major shrines, Masjids and Eidgahs to offer Eid prayers.
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The largest congregation was witnessed at Dargah Hazratbal on the banks of Dal Lake, where men, women and elderly worshippers assembled in large numbers for the prayers.
The Eid prayers at Hazratbal were offered at around 10 am amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements to ensure the smooth movement and convenience of devotees.
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Addressing the gathering, the chief cleric at Hazratbal highlighted the importance of helping the poor and underprivileged during Eid-ul-Adha and urged people to uphold the spirit of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood.
“Eid-ul-Adha teaches us the values of sacrifice, charity and service to humanity. People must remember the needy and extend support to the underprivileged sections of society,” the cleric said.
Prayers were also offered for lasting peace and prosperity in J&K and for peace across the world.
The cleric also lauded the Lieutenant Governor-led campaign against drugs in J&K, while urging the authorities to take further steps to curb liquor consumption.
Besides Hazratbal, major Eid congregations were held at Jenab Sahib in Soura, Syed Mansoor Sahib in Sonwar and Khanqah-e-Moula, where scores of devotees participated in the prayers.
Eid prayers were also held across all districts of Kashmir at local Eidgahs, mosques and shrines, witnessing massive participation. The pleasant weather further added to the festive atmosphere across the Valley.
However, authorities did not permit Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah offered Eid prayers at Hazratbal.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, accompanied by her daughter Iltija Mufti, was also present on the occasion.
Officials said adequate arrangements, including security deployment, traffic regulation and sanitation measures, had been made at all major prayer venues to ensure the smooth conduct of the congregations.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar said elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been put in place for the occasion and appealed to people to cooperate with the authorities.
“We urge people to cooperate with the police and follow advisories. J&K Police has always stood with the people and we will ensure a peaceful and celebratory Eid,” the officer said.
Following the Eid prayers, people across Kashmir carried out the ritual sacrifice of sheep, goats and other animals purchased over the past several days, marking the central tradition associated with Eid-ul-Adha.
Families later distributed the meat among relatives, neighbours and the poor in keeping with the spirit of charity and sharing associated with the festival.
The ritual of sacrifice will continue over the next two days, while markets dealing in sacrificial animals continued to witness business on the first day of Eid.
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