Srinagar: Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated with religious fervour across J&K and the rest of the country on Thursday, with people gathering at mosques and Eidgahs in large numbers to offer prayers and exchange the festival greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ by embracing each other.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Eid prayers passed off peacefully and there was no report of any untoward incident, police said.
The biggest congregational prayers were held at the Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where more than 50,000 people gathered, officials said.
Three former chief ministers — Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti — were among those who offered prayers at Hazratbal.
Smaller gatherings were reported at all Muslim places of worship across the Valley, except for the historic Jama Masjid in the old city.
The authorities had refused permission to the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid to hold prayers at Eidgah, according to the managing authority of the mosque.
Chrar-i-Sharief shrine in Budgam and other shrines and Eidgahs throughout Jammu and Kashmir echoed with the resounding prayers of the faithful, with people from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
In Jammu, the largest congregation took place at Eidgah Jammu, where devotees gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings. The venue reverberated with the beautiful recitation of prayers and the heartfelt supplications of the worshipers.
Local authorities and the administration had made arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers and to ensure the comfort and safety of the worshipers. Adequate security measures were also in place to maintain a peaceful environment.
In Poonch, Indian and Pakistani troops came together at ‘Rahe Milan’ to celebrate the festival by exchanging sweets and gifts.
In a gesture of goodwill, the Sarla Battalion of the Indian Army presented a packet of sweets to the Pakistan Army (20 POK) on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha.
The Pakistani Army reciprocated by extending its warm wishes of Eid Mubarak to their Indian counterparts and presenting them with a packet of sweets at Rahe Milan.
Eid prayers were conducted across mosques in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Kathua as well.
Eid ul-Azha, which was observed today, is a holy occasion also called the ‘festival of sacrifice’ and is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Every year, the date changes as it’s based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar.
The festival is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges and make meaningful connections with one another. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice everything for God.
Around the world, Eid traditions and festivities vary and different countries have unique cultural approaches to this important festival.
Thousands of sheep, goats and other animals were sacrificed as per tradition.
