Joyful Eid-ul-Adha celebrations across Kashmir

Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is being celebrated with religious fervor and traditional gaiety across Kashmir on Saturday.

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The largest congregation of worshippers gathered at the iconic Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake, where thousands offered Eid prayers.

However, the spirit of the festival was somewhat marred as authorities did not allow congregational prayers at the Eidgah and the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city. The move drew sharp criticism from J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti.

Despite this, Eid spirit was visible across the Valley.

Dressed in their festive best, worshippers thronged mosques and designated Eidgahs early in the morning to participate in the special prayers. The gatherings passed off peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported.

Prominent political leaders, including CM Omar Abdullah, former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, were among those who offered prayers at Hazratbal, the holiest shrine in Kashmir, where the mood was both solemn and celebratory.

Soon after the Eid prayers, many families across the region performed the symbolic sacrifice of goats and sheep to commemorate the “sacrifice” of Prophet Ibrahim.