Srinagar, June 29: Eid-ul-Azha, the significant festival for Muslims, was joyously celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, as worshippers flocked to mosques, prominent spaces, and Eidgahs to offer Eid prayers and exchange heartfelt greetings.
Eid Al-Azha, also known as Bakra Eid, holds great religious significance as the ‘festival of sacrifice.’ Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar, it marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The largest Eid congregation in the region took place at the revered Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where thousands of devotees gathered for the Eid prayers, fervently praying for the peace and prosperity of the region.
Despite the district authorities denying permission to Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid for prayers at Eidgah, thousands of worshippers gathered at the 14th-century Grand Mosque in Nowhatta, displaying their devotion and seeking divine blessings.
Imam Khateeb, Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, Prof. (Dr.) Kamaal Farooqi told Rising Kashmir that more than 50,000-60,000 people attended the Eid-ul-Azha congregational prayers at the historic shrine.
“My sermon focused on Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (AS) on the command of Allah. Sunnah and commandments of the holy Quran were also highlighted during the 1 hour long speech,” he said.
The emotional speech of Dr. Farooqi on Eid ul Azha was widely appreciated by the devotees and waqf officials.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his warm greetings to the people on the holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha through a message on Twitter. “Greetings to the people on the holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha. The joyous occasion inspires each one of us to follow the path of love, compassion, and forgiveness. May the festival of Eid-ul-Adha usher in peace, prosperity, and happiness for all,” he expressed.
Numerous devotees also gathered at revered sites such as Dastageer Sahib Khanayar, Charar-e-Sharif Shrine, Zirat Hazrati Mir Syed Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, Hazrat Naqshband Sahab Khawaja Bazar, Zirat Hazrat Baba Payam ud din Reshi Sahib, and Mukdoom Sahib to observe prayers and seek divine blessings.
In Baramulla, a significant number of people attended prayers at Eidgah Jadeed, Ziyarat Janbaz Wali Khanpora, Eidgah Qadeem, Eidgah Pattan, Eidgah Palhallan, and Hyderbeigh Eidgah, among others.
Similarly, in Budgam, Chraari Sharief witnessed a massive influx of people, with devotees fervently praying for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir at the historic Imam Bargah.
Large congregations for Eid prayers were also reported from other district headquarters and towns across the Valley, including Jamia Masjid Kupwara, Jamia Masjid Shopian, Jamia Masjid Noorabad Kulgam, Eidgah Pulwama, Eidgah Ganderbal, and various other locations.
In Jammu, the largest congregations were witnessed at Eidgah and Mecca Masjid in Bhatindi, where hundreds of devotees performed the Namaz-e-Eid. Similar gatherings were reported at Khati-Ka-Talab Masjid in Jammu City, where special Eid prayers were offered, accompanied by prayers for peace, development, and prosperity.
Eid Namaz was also observed at other mosques in the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Kathua in the Jammu region. The district administrations had taken comprehensive security measures and made necessary arrangements for the festival.
Addressing the gathering, the Imams leading the prayers appealed to the people to maintain peace, harmony, and celebrate the festival in the spirit of brotherhood. They also shared the significance of Eid ul Azha and how Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) fulfilled Allah’s command.
Darakshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Waqf Board, commended the government’s arrangements for Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal and other mosques and shrines throughout Kashmir.
Following the prayers, thousands of sheep, goats, and other animals were sacrificed across the valley in adherence to tradition.
A senior police officer confirmed that the Eid prayers proceeded peacefully in the region, with no untoward incidents reported in any part of Jammu and Kashmir. Elaborate security arrangements were in place for the occasion and would continue on Friday, the officer stated.
The Eid festivities unfolded smoothly in other regions as well, with men, women, and children dressed in their finest attire, flocking to mosques, Eidgahs, and shrines to offer prayers. Throughout the day, children adorned in colorful clothing could be seen bursting crackers in the streets, spreading joy and merriment.
Former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti were also present at Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, where they offered prayers and conveyed their heartfelt wishes to the pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on July 1.
