Eid in J&K: Peaceful Prayers Bring Thousands Together Across Valley and Jammu
Thousands attend Eid prayers peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir; Hazratbal hosts largest gathering.
Thousands of Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir gathered on Saturday for Eid congregational prayers, marking the conclusion of Ramadan with thanksgiving and celebration. Large crowds were reported throughout the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu division, with devotees observing the festival in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The largest congregation was seen at the Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar, where over 70,000 people attended the prayers. Prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, current Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, joined the congregational prayers at the shrine.
However, Eid prayers were not permitted at the Jama Masjid in Srinagar’s Nowhatta area due to law and order concerns. Chief cleric and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticized the authorities, noting on social media that this marked the seventh consecutive year that prayers at Jama Masjid were restricted. “A day of celebration turned to grief and denial for Muslims,” he said, highlighting the irony of officials wishing Eid greetings while limiting worship.
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Across the Kashmir Valley, district headquarters including Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag saw large gatherings at various mosques. Children dressed in new clothes accompanied their parents, while elders exchanged greetings and embraces after prayers, creating a festive atmosphere.
Similar celebrations were reported across the Jammu division, with the largest congregation in the city at the Eidgah grounds near Residency Road. Devotees also participated in prayers in Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Samba, and Kathua districts, maintaining peaceful observances.
Authorities confirmed that Eid prayers were conducted peacefully throughout the Union Territory, with no untoward incidents reported. Security arrangements had been enhanced across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of recent regional tensions following US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.
