Religious gaiety, joy, celebrations, mark the day of Arafah

Srinagar, Apr 09: As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Kashmir Valley is bathed in an aura of festivity and spirituality, heralding the imminent arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. Arafah, the day preceding Eid, imbues the atmosphere with joy, religious fervor, and a sense of community as Muslims prepare for the upcoming festivities, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
Arafah, a day that falls before Eid ul-Fitr, holds immense importance for Muslims. It marks a moment of reflection, repentance, and gratitude—a precursor to the jubilant festivities that follow. The word ‘Arfah’ itself translates to ‘knowledge’ or ‘awareness,’ emphasizing the spiritual awakening that accompanies this day.
“Eid ul-Fitr has remained a symbol of communal harmony and togetherness. Arfah serves as a poignant reminder of this unity, bringing people from all walks of life together in a shared celebration of faith and fellowship”, Muhammad Ibraheem, a literature expert said.
“Families and neighbors come together to offer prayers, exchange gifts, and share meals, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and social status. This collective spirit of generosity and compassion echoes the teachings of Islam, reinforcing the values of empathy and brotherhood”, he added.
Arfah is not just a day of fasting and shopping before Eid ulFitr, it also marks a day of introspection and renewal. It reminds us of the importance of unity and compassion in peoples’ lives.
“Arfah serves as a bridge between the spiritual and social dimensions of Eid ul-Fitr. It is a time for Muslims to seek forgiveness and renew their commitment to righteousness. This spiritual rejuvenation forms the bedrock of the festive atmosphere that envelops Kashmir during Eid ul-Fitr.” IshfaqAhmad , a lawyer by profession said.
As the sun sets on Arafah, anticipation mounts for the grand celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of traditional Kashmiri delicacies, such as Wazwan as families prepare to break their fast together on the last day of the holy month of Ramadhan. City streets and markets remained bustling with activity as people were seen shopping in huge numbers.
As Kashmiris come together to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, the significance of Arfah resonates deeply, underscoring the values of peace, harmony, and coexistence that define their collective identity.
“Arafah holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, symbolizing the essence of Eid ul-Fitr, a moment of joint festivities that transcends boundaries and unites communities in a celebration of faith, family, and friendship”, shares Dr Mehreen.
The entire day people in large numbers were seen indulging in preparations to commemorate the auspicious occasion of Eid ulFitr.
The festive fervour has started gripping the valley with people swarming streets and markets for shopping.
A day before Eid-ul-Fitr shoppers throng city markets as the preparations for celebrating Eid have gained momentum across the valley. Apart from other parts of Srinagar city, business hub LalChowk witnessed a huge rush of people today.
The markets were crowded with shoppers buying a variety of items. The hustle and bustle was quite evident and people in large numbers including men, women, kids could be seen busy in buying garments, kids wear, food items including bakery, confectionery.
The scene at the busy city centerLalChowk was quite different. The place wore a festive look as people in large numbers resorted to shopping.
“On the day of Arafah , shops dealing with kids’ wear, toys, firecrackers etc. witness a brisk business. The enthusiasm among the children for the festival is quite apparent. Many shopping outlets particularly the ones dealing with clothing and kids wear have come up with discounts on purchases”, Suhaib, a garment store owner said.
Eid ul-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, is not just a religious occasion; it is a moment of unity, solidarity, and shared celebration for the people of Kashmir.