Adequate arrangements placed in shrines, Masjids across Kashmir: Dr Darakshan
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival signifies the end of a month-long period of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the most sacred periods as it commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the breaking of the fast, with families and friends gathering for prayers, festive meals and exchange of greetings and gifts.
Authorities in Kashmir said elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth celebrations.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi told Kashmir Horizon that adequate deployment has been made across the Valley in view of Eid and other upcoming festivals.
“Police have made arrangements in markets to manage traffic and ensure smooth movement of people. All districts have been directed to maintain security and regulate markets,” he said, adding that special arrangements have been made at Eidgahs and major prayer venues.
IGP Birdi said security measures are also in place in view of a series of festivals, including Eid, Navroz, Navratri and Ram Navami.
He said traffic plans have been prepared to avoid congestion and police stations have been instructed to assist the public. He also extended greetings to people on the occasion.
Meanwhile, markets across Srinagar witnessed a surge in shoppers in the run-up to Eid, with people thronging bazaars for last-minute purchases amid a festive atmosphere.
Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board (JKWB) Chairperson, Dr Darakshan Andrabi said that the government had made all arrangements for Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal, other Masjids and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir.
She further said that police and security forces are always on alert for people;s safety. It is a peaceful time and they have always been cooperative with us. Security arrangements have been made at dargahs and other areas in view of Eid,” Dr Andrabi said.
Religious bodies have also issued detailed schedules for Eid congregations. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar said that Eid prayers will be offered at Jamia Masjid Srinagar at 10:00 AM in view of inclement weather conditions.
The Eid sermon will be delivered by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at 9:00 AM, with people advised to reach early.
Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board announced that the main Eid congregation prayers will be held at Hazratbal Shrine at 10:30 AM. The Board has finalised prayer timings for dozens of shrines and mosques across the Valley to facilitate the public.
Eid prayers at other prominent shrines, including Asar-e-Shareef Janab Sahib Soura, Khanqah-e-Moula, Makhdoom Sahib and Naqshband Sahib, will be held between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM. In Srinagar city, major mosques and locality shrines will host congregations largely between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, while similar arrangements have been made across districts including Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara.
The Waqf Board has urged people to adhere to notified timings and cooperate with authorities to ensure peaceful celebrations.
On Friday, emotional scenes were witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir on the last Friday of Ramadan, with thousands gathering in mosques and shrines for farewell prayers. Many worshippers were seen offering special prayers, expressing a mix of gratitude and sorrow at the departure of the holy month.
At Jamia Masjid, large congregations assembled, though the absence of the Mirwaiz, reportedly under house arrest, was felt among devotees. Similar scenes were reported from Hazratbal and other shrines, where worshippers prayed for peace and well-being.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said weather conditions are expected to improve from Saturday, with generally dry weather likely over the next few days, providing relief for Eid celebrations.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that weather conditions are likely to remain generally dry from March 21 to 25, except for a brief spell of light rain or snow at isolated places on March 23.
“Between March 26 and 28, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light precipitation at a few places, while another spell of rain and snowfall is likely at many places between March 29 and 31,” he said.
Authorities have also issued advisories, including avalanche warnings in higher reaches of north Kashmir, urging people to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines.
