Srinagar: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Kashmir on Saturday with traditional fervour, with the largest congregation of over 50,000 devotees gathering at Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, while authorities barred prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in old city.
A heavy deployment of security forces was put in place in the Nowhatta area to prevent congregations at Jama Masjid, where Eid prayers have remained disallowed for years.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid had earlier announced plans to hold prayers and urged authorities not to impose restrictions.
Reacting to the curbs, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Eid prayers have been barred at Jama Masjid for the seventh consecutive year. “A day of celebration turned to grief and denial for Muslims,” he said in a post on X, calling it ironic that those imposing restrictions extend Eid greetings.
Meanwhile, prominent leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah offered prayers at Hazratbal.
Authorities had deployed security personnel at sensitive locations across Srinagar amid apprehensions of anti-US and anti-Israel protests following prayers.
Reports of large Eid congregations were received from all districts of the Valley, with people dressed in festive attire assembling at mosques, shrines and Eidgahs.
The festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, with families visiting relatives and exchanging greetings and gifts. Children marked the occasion with enthusiasm, receiving traditional Eidi (cash gifts).
