Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 29

Kashmir observed Eid-ul-Adha with religious fervour and a festive atmosphere this week, with tens of thousands of worshippers gathering at mosques, Eidgahs and shrines across the Valley, while authorities maintained heightened security arrangements to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Eid-ul-Adha, one of Islam’s most important festivals, was observed across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the moon was sighted locally in Kashmir, a day ahead of celebrations in several other parts of India.

Large congregations assembled at major prayer venues including Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, Eidgah Srinagar, and prominent Eidgahs and Jamia Masjids across Budgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, Shopian, Pulwama, Kupwara and Bandipora districts.

Devotees dressed in traditional attire offered special Eid prayers and exchanged greetings, while clerics in sermons highlighted the festival’s message of sacrifice, compassion, charity and brotherhood. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.

Authorities said the celebrations passed off peacefully across the Valley with no major untoward incidents reported.

Security personnel were deployed at key religious sites, markets and vulnerable locations, while traffic and crowd-management measures were put in place in Srinagar and district headquarters to facilitate smooth movement during the festival.

Markets across Kashmir witnessed brisk business in the run-up to Eid, particularly livestock markets where demand for sacrificial animals remained high despite rising prices. Traders also reported increased sales of bakery items, garments and other festival-related goods, though residents voiced concern over the rising cost of sacrificial animals and essential commodities.

Public transport operated normally in most parts of the Valley, and tourist movement continued uninterrupted during the festive period. Families visited relatives and friends while children thronged parks and markets, adding to the festive mood.

Municipal workers and local administrations remained engaged through the festival period to manage waste generated from animal sacrifices, with advisories issued in several districts on hygiene and proper disposal.

In Ganderbal district, thousands gathered at Eidgahs and mosques to offer congregational prayers, with the largest assembly reported at Central Eidgah Duderhama. Similar gatherings were held in Kangan, Gund, Safapora, Lar and Sonamarg.

Special prayers for peace, prosperity and brotherhood were offered, while religious leaders called on people to support the poor and uphold communal harmony. District authorities and police had made elaborate arrangements for the occasion.

In Anantnag district, thousands offered Eid prayers at Hanfia Eidgah in Janglat Mandi and Ahli Hadith Eidgah in Ashajipora, with worshippers arriving from the town and surrounding villages from early morning.

Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure, accompanied by other police officers, greeted worshippers after prayers and police officials distributed sweets among devotees.

Similar congregational prayers were held at Bijbehara, Mattan and Kulgam Eidgahs, as well as at Jamia Masjids and shrines in rural areas of Anantnag and Kulgam districts. Officials said arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers at major venues.

Kupwara district also witnessed large Eid gatherings, with prayers held at Eidgahs and mosques in Kupwara town, Dudhwan, Lalpora, Sogam, Handwara, Zachaldara Vilgam and Kralgund.

Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan offered Eid prayers at Jamia Jadeed Handwara, while legislator Mir Fayaz joined worshippers at Jamia Masjid Kupwara. People later exchanged greetings and carried out the traditional animal sacrifice, distributing meat among family members, neighbours and the poor.

In Baramulla district, thousands gathered at Eidgah Jadeed and Eidgah Qadeem, the two main congregational venues, to mark the festival.

Religious scholars addressing worshippers spoke about the significance of sacrifice and urged people to uphold values of compassion, patience and selflessness. Some clerics also raised concerns over growing drug abuse among youth and appealed to young people to stay away from substance abuse and contribute positively to society.

Officials said the peaceful conduct of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations across Kashmir brought relief to residents and authorities alike, with the festival concluding on a note of devotion, community spirit and calm.