Srinagar, Jun 6: The holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday with religious enthusiasm and devotion. The day marks a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, celebrated annually on the 10th day of Zul Hijjah, the concluding month of the Islamic lunar year.
As a tradition, the largest Eid gathering in Kashmir is set to take place at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.
Thousands of devotees are expected to assemble for the special Eid prayers, followed by sermons focusing on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion in Islam.
Thousands of Muslims across Kashmir will perform the holy ritual of animal sacrifice after the congregational Eid prayers.
ìWith the grace of Allah, we have reached this holy day, and we are eagerly waiting to perform the duty of animal sacrifice. This is the day when we will offer prayers in huge congregations, mostly at Eidgahs and major religious places like Dargah Hazratbal,î Abrar Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal said.
For several days, markets surrounding the Hazratbal area, downtown, and Lal Chowk have been bustling with activity, as locals throng the streets in preparation for the festival. Traders also said that the business picked up during these days.
ìThese festivals are an opportunity to meet and greet each other while people like us earn livelihood following the brisk shopping,î said Imran Ahmad, a shopkeeper in downtown Srinagar.
Eid-ul-Adha honours the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who, in a divine test of devotion, prepared to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS) on Allahís command.
Commemorating this act, Muslims worldwide perform animal sacrifices on this day, distributing the meat among family, neighbours, and the less fortunate.
In the run-up to Eid, the administration, including J&K Waqf officials, held several meetings and reviewed the arrangements for Eid.
Officials said that essential services, including those by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Police, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Power Development Department (PDD), and Health Department, have put special measures in place for the festival.
They said cleanliness drives and uninterrupted water and electricity supply have been ensured at key congregation points.
Apart from Hazratbal, major congregational prayers will be held at prominent Masjids and shrines in Srinagar, including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees Gaw Kadal, Asar-e-Sharif Jenab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Ziyarat Makhdoom Sahib (RA), and Khanqah-e-Moula.
Similar prayer congregations are scheduled across south Kashmir. In Anantnag, prayers will be held at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahlihadith, Bait-ul-Muqarram, and Rehat-Ded Masjid.
The biggest gatherings in Kulgam are expected at Jamia Masjid, while significant turnouts are also anticipated at Khankah Tral, Jamia Masjid Shopian, and Jamia Masjid Pulwama. With all preparations finalised, people across the Valley are geared up to mark the festival with prayers, sacrifices, and community feasts.
