Srinagar, June 28: Eid-ul-Azha , the festival of sacrifice will be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervour on Thursday on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah which marks the last month of the Islamic calendar.
The biggest Eid congregational gathering in Kashmir valley will be held at Dargah Hazratbal shrine at 10 am where people in large numbers are expected to join Eid prayers and also listen to sermons on the teachings of Islam.
Imam Khateeb, Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, Dr Kamaal Farooqi told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been completed at the historic shrine and they are expecting a good number of devotees from across the valley.
“Arrangements have been completed in this regard. My Eid sermon will be based on Eid-ul-Azha and its historic perceptive. Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (AS) on the command of Allah,” he said.
Dr Farooqi said special prayers will be held for peace and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. Eid namaz will be offered at 10 am where a large number of people will attend the special Eid prayers, he said.
Meanwhile, the district authorities in Srinagar have disallowed Eid ul Azha prayers at historic Jamia Masjid and Central Eidgah Srinagar.
In a statement issued to the media Anjuman Auqaf said that they have been informed by district authorities that Eid ul Azha prayers will not be allowed at the historic and central Eidgah Srinagar on Thursday 29th June.
Eid ul Azha commemorates the event when Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) faith was tested by the Almighty as he was ready to sacrifice his son in the path and for the sake of Allah. Later, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) slaughtered an animal after he passed the test of Allah. People slaughter sacrificial animals on this festival to follow the practice of Ibrahim (AS).
Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board (JKWB) Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi told Rising Kashmir that the government had made all arrangements for Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal and other Masjids and shrines across Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board has decided to offer Eid Ul Azha prayers at various Masjids, Shrines across Kashmir on the specific timings.
According to the schedule, Aasari Sharief KabaMarg 9:00 AM, Dastageer Kanayar 9:00 AM, Ziyarat Hazrat Pir Dastigeer Sahib Khanyar 9:00 AM, Charar-e-Sharif Shrine 9:00 AM, Zirat Hazrati Mir syed Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, 9:00 Am,
Hazrat Naqshband Sahab khawaja Bazar 10:00Am, Zirat Hazrat Baba Payam ud din Reshi Sahab 8:00 am, Mukdoom Sahib 10:00 Am .
Zirat Hazrati Sakhi Zian ud din wali sahab Ashmuqam, 8:30 Am, Zirat Hazrati Mirza Kamil Sahab Hawal 9:30 Am, Zirat Syed Sultani Fakr ud din Sahab Newa 8:30, Zirat Mohda Babareshi Kakapora 8:30Am, Mazrki Jamia Masjid Sharief Ziti Shah Wali Sahab Drugmulla Kupwara 9:00 Am, Zirat Eham Sharief Bandipora 8:30 Am.
All the Namazis have been requested to reach their respective Eidgah/Masjid Shariefs well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
In case of bad weather/rain, the Eid Namaz shall be offered in respective Jamia Masjids of the area and the Namaz timings shall be announced by the concerned Masjid Committee.
Eid ul-Adha encompasses Qurbani which is the sacrifice of an animal. The meat is then divided into three parts. One part is kept by the house owner and the other two parts are distributed among neighbours and relatives.
Deeba Nabi, a local from Hyderbeigh Pattan from north Kashmir’s Baramulla said Eid-ul-Azha is a festival of food. From rich to poor, traditional Kashmiri dishes are enjoyed by one and all.
“Apart from bakery items, I am planning to prepare Shahi-Chicken, Yakni and Mutton Korma, Kashmir Haak, Shahi-Paneer, and Salad for this Eid-ul-Azha,” she said.
Deeeba says apart from cooking food, visiting family elders, friends, and neighbors, wearing new clothes, and making children happy are among the Valley’s traditions.
Yasir Ahmad Sofi, who is head Chef in a Srinagar-based restaurant, says food is an intrinsic part of festivities and traditions. It brings families together, he said.
“Eid ul Adha is a special occasion, which is known for bringing together friends and family for celebrating traditional Kashmiri delicacies and dishes,” he said.
Yasir says over the past several years, they are serving both lunch and dinner on Eid at their restaurant. There is a special menu for the Eid-ul-Azha and it is a new outing trend among the younger new generation families,’ he said.
“People love to share special moments with us. When any Kashmiri family is gathered for Eid lunch or dinner, all the worries are put to rest. Nothing is better than sharing a meal with loved ones,’ 35-year-old Yasir said.
