Eid-Ul Fitr Celebrated Across Kashmir Valley

Srinagar — Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Kashmir on Saturday with traditional fervour and gaiety as the largest congregation of devotees assembled at Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.

However, authorities did not allow Eid Prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in the old Srinagar city. More than 50,000 devotees offered prayers at Hazratbal, which was the largest Eid congregation in Kashmir.

A large posse of security forces was deployed at Jama Masjid in the Nowhatta area of the city to ensure that people did not assemble at these places for prayers.

"For the seventh consecutive year, amid restrictions and house arrests, Eid prayers remain barred at Jama Masjid. A day of celebration turned to grief and denial for Muslims," Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is the chief priest of Kashmir, posted on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah were among the notable persons to offer prayers at Hazratbal.

Security forces were deployed in large numbers at vulnerable places in the city as authorities apprehended anti-US and anti-Israel protests after Eid prayers. Large congregations of Eid prayers were reported from all districts of the valley.

Dressed in their best, Muslims of all ages and genders assembled in Eidgahs, mosques and shrines to offer the prayers. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramazan, which is observed through fasting, prayers and charity, and ushers in a festival of joy, togetherness and thanksgiving.

Eid was also celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety across Jammu region with a large number of Muslims gathering at various eidgahs and mosques to offer prayers for peace and an end to the conflicts in the Middle East.

Hundreds of devotees offered prayers at different mosques and eidgahs across the region, with the main congregation held at the eidgah on Residency Road in Jammu, followed by gatherings at the Mecca Masjid in Bathindi and the Jamia Masjid in Talab Khatikan.

The Shahi Imam of Jammu, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi, said Eid is a day of joy and gratitude after a month of fasting and worship. "We pray that Allah keeps everyone happy, prosperous and in good health, and that humanity lives in peace and harmony," Qasmi told reporters.

Referring to global conflicts, the Shahi Imam said war is not a solution and urged nations to resolve differences through dialogue.

National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta, who visited the eidgah on Residency Road with party leaders to greet people, said Jammu has a long tradition of communal harmony.

After offering prayers, people were seen exchanging greetings and sweets to embrace the festival in a spirit of unity and celebration. Eid was also celebrated with traditional fervour across Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur.