Srinagar: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir would celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the holy festival, on Saturday to mark the culmination of the sacred month of Ramadhan.
The Shawwal Moon was not sighted on Thursday evening, thus the holy festival Eid would be celebrated on Saturday across the State.
Notably, Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated on every first of Shawwal, an Islamic month.
Thousands of people are expected to attend congregational Eid prayers in Eidgahs, Masjids and Shrines across the State where Islamic jurists and clerics would throw light on the significance of the festival of thanksgiving.
The biggest gathering of devotees is expected at historical Eidgah here and Hazratbal shrine.
Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is scheduled to address people ahead of Eid prayers at Eidgah here at 8:00 am while the Eid prayers are scheduled to be offered there at 9:30 am.
Meanwhile, the district administration has made all necessary arrangements for the devotees.
The traffic department has also made arrangements including temporary parking slots at various places including Eidgah here.
Meanwhile, big gatherings are also expected in main Eidgahs, shrines and Masjids in Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara, Pattan, Sumbal, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Charar-i-Sharif, Shopian, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Beerwah, Tral, Pampore, Kulgam, Jammu, Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Poonch and Rajouri.
After the prayers, people generally visit their relatives to extend Eid greetings.
Meanwhile, Governor NN Vohra has extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
In a message of felicitations, the Governor expressed hope that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of peace, progress, prosperity and happiness.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also greeted people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, wishing them well-being and prosperity.
In her message of felicitation, Mehbooba reminded the people about the essence of the festival, especially remembering the poor and needy and sharing happiness with them.
National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice president, Omar Abdullah also greeted people on the joyful occasion of Eid and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief, G A Mir also extended greetings t the people of the State on the auspicious occasion, hoping that the auspicious occasion of Eid will be the harbinger of peace, stability and overall development of the State.
Director General of Police (DGP), Shesh Pal Vaid has also extended warm greetings to people on the Muslim festival.
Eid prayers at Eidgah/Jamia at 9 am
Secretary Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid (AAJ) Srinagar has announced that Eid-ul-Fitr prayers would be offered as per programme at the historic Eidgah in Srinagar at 9 am “Inshallah”.
Prior to Eid prayer s, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq would shed light on the philosophy of Eid ul-Fitr in his sermon which will commence at 8 am, a statement issued to GNS said.
AAJ has urged the people to participate in the Ijtima in large numbers to express unity and maintain discipline. People are urged to bring prayer mats along.
AAJ also announced that Zakat al-Fitr (Sadqa Fitr) for this year has been fixed at Rs 50 per person that is mandatory to be paid before Eid al-Fitr prayers.
In case of rain or bad weather, Eid prayers will be offered at historic Jamia Masjid. The timings for Namaaz and Waaz will remain the same.
