Large gatherings were observed on Saturday for Eid congregational prayers in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu division, as devotees gathered in significant numbers for the thanksgiving prayer following the conclusion of Ramadan. The Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar city saw the largest congregation, with over 70,000 devotees offering Eid prayers there. Former chief minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, his son Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti participated in the prayers at Hazratbal shrine.
Eid prayers were, however, not permitted at the Jama Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar due to law and order concerns. Chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticized the authorities for this decision, stating that Eid prayers have been disallowed at Jama Masjid for the seventh consecutive year, turning a day of celebration into one of grief and denial for Muslims.
In various district headquarters including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and others, large crowds of Muslims gathered at different mosques for Eid prayers. Children in new attire accompanied their parents, exchanging greetings and hugs after the prayers. Similar prayers took place in different parts of the Jammu division, with the largest gathering at the Eidgah grounds near Residency Road in Jammu city.
Peaceful Eid prayers were reported from Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, and other districts of the Jammu division. Authorities confirmed that Eid prayers were conducted peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir, with no untoward incidents reported. Adequate security arrangements were in place throughout the Union Territory, particularly in light of this being the first Eid following the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.
