Ovaise Gul
Srinagar, May 29: Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, was celebrated with religious fervour and zeal across Jammu and Kashmir.
The celebrations commence with special Eid prayers at the shrines and Masjids across the region on Wednesday (May 27), while the major congregation was held at Hazratbal Shrine here, where thousands of devotees from the different parts of the Valley participated.
Religious scholars, during sermons, highlighted the significance of sacrifice, compassion, brotherhood and communal harmony associated with Eid-ul-Adha. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
Following the prayers, people exchanged Eid greetings and visited relatives, friends and neighbours.
Soon after the culmination of mandatory Eid prayers, the believers performed the religious obligations by sacrificing the animals, a Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
The markets, parks and gardens witnessed a massive rush during the last three days as the children wearing colourful clothes visited the places to enjoy and celebrate the auspicious occasion.
Moreover, authorities had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of prayers and celebrations. Traffic management, sanitation, healthcare and security arrangements were put in place at major congregation sites across the Union Territory.
Political leaders, religious organisations and social groups extended greetings to the people on the occasion and prayed for lasting peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ahead of the festival, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Council of Ministers extended greetings to the people.