Srinagar, Mar 21: Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety and communal harmony across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with thousands of devotees offering prayers at mosques and designated Eidgahs to mark the culmination of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Official sources informed that Eid prayers were offered peacefully throughout the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, with no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers at all major congregations.
In the summer capital, Srinagar, a large number of devotees, including several senior political leaders, offered prayers at the historic Hazratbal Shrine. The shrine witnessed a steady stream of faithful since early morning, with many braving the chilly weather to participate in the congregational prayers.
Due to inclement weather conditions prevailing across the valley, most Eid congregations were held in local mosques rather than open grounds, sources said. However, arrangements were also made at designated Eidgahs in some districts to accommodate the faithful, they added.
In the winter capital, Jammu, the largest congregation was held at Eidgah ground, where hundreds of Muslims gathered for special prayers. Similar congregations were held at various other locations across the city, including Sidhra, Bathindi, Dogiana, Malik Market, Talab Khatikan, Karyani Talab, Sunjwan, Mohalla Ustad, Channi, Kunjwani, Gole Market Gandhinagar, New Plot and Janipur, officials said.
Children dressed in new clothes were accompanying their fathers to the prayer grounds, reflecting the festive spirit and joy associated with the occasion. Families were seen greeting each other with warm embraces after the conclusion of prayers.
Scenes of communal harmony were witnessed across the region, with Hindu and Sikh friends joining their Muslim neighbours to extend heartfelt greetings on the occasion.
Officials said similar harmonious celebrations were being reported from Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua districts of the Jammu division, where people from different communities came together to share the festive cheer.
Authorities made adequate security and sanitation arrangements at various prayer grounds across the Union Territory to ensure that devotees did not face any inconvenience while offering their prayers. Traffic arrangements were also put in place to facilitate the smooth movement of worshippers.
The festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, during which Muslims observed fasting from dawn to dusk. After the prayers, people visited relatives and loved ones, exchanging sweets and greeting each other. Social gatherings were organised in homes and neighbourhoods as part of the celebrations.
Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, is being celebrated with similar fervour across other parts of the country as well.
