Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 31: Marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Kashmir today, with the largest congregational prayers held at Dargah Hazratbal.
Early in the morning, men, women, children, and the elderly were seen heading to mosques and Eidgahs to offer the obligatory Eid prayers.
Dressed in colorful new clothes, they created a warm and joyful atmosphere, exchanging greetings. Thousands attended the Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal, where the scene was ecstatic.
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The gathering at Dargah Hazratbal also saw the presence of VIPs, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, accompanied by their children, Iltija Mufti, Zamir and Zahir Abdullah.
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Large congregations were also witnessed at Khanqah-e-Maula, Charar-e-Sharief, and various Eidgahs and Imambargahs across different districts.
During the Eid sermons, preachers reflected on the philosophy of fasting and urged people to continue the good deeds and extensive worship they had engaged in during Ramadan.
Eid prayers were also offered at various locations in Srinagar and across the districts of Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam.
Authorities had made adequate security and sanitation arrangements at prayer grounds to ensure devotees faced no inconvenience.
At Hazratbal, a worshipper, Abdul Hamid, said he prayed for peace and prosperity in J&K and emphasized the need to protect youngsters from the menace of drugs.
“It is a day of happiness and joy for everyone, and we are thankful to the Almighty,” he said.
Another worshipper at Khanqah-e-Maula, Syed Yasseen, highlighted the significance of Eid, stating, “It is no doubt a moment of happiness; people should celebrate it but should also take care of the poor.”
However, Eid prayers were not allowed at the historic Eidgah in the old city, as the J&K Waqf Board stated that ongoing construction at the ground made it unfeasible.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had announced that Eid prayers would be held at Eidgah, claimed he was placed under house arrest.
“I am deeply pained and strongly condemn the authorities’ decision to once again deny the Muslims of Kashmir the basic right to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid, which have been closed down while I have been detained at home,” he said.
PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, speaking to the media after attending Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal, said she prayed for the return of dignity for the people of J&K.
On the restriction of prayers at Eidgah and the closure of Jamia Masjid, Mehbooba said, “It is a failure of the Government.”
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