Thousands of worshippers across Jammu and Kashmir gathered at mosques and Eidgahs on Wednesday, 27 May to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, with congregations spanning Jammu, Budgam, Banihal, Shopian, and Kupwara. The festival, one of Islam's most significant occasions, was observed in the Union Territory a day ahead of most other Indian states, owing to regional Moon-sighting differences.

Large Congregations Across the Union Territory

In Budgam, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian President Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi led prayers at the Markazi Imambada, calling on the faithful to embrace compassion and sacrifice. “Along with humanity across the world, I extend my respectful greetings to the Islamic community on this blessed day. Today is a day that teaches us the lesson of compassion, sacrifice, and humanity,” he said.

In Jammu, thousands converged at Eidgah Jammu for the morning prayers. A local resident said, “I pray to Allah that Eid continues to bring happiness every year and that we all live together with love, peace, and affection.”

Sunni Islamic scholar and Shahi Imam of Jamia Masjid Khadike Talab, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi, extended greetings across the region. “Prayers are being offered everywhere, and we pray that Allah bless everyone with happiness, peace, good health, relief, and prosperity,” he said.

Prayers in Banihal, Shopian, and Kupwara

In Banihal, residents offered prayers at the local Eidgah. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MLA Sajjad Shaheen extended Eid greetings and prayed for peace and progress across the Union Territory. Thousands also attended prayers in Shopian, while congregations at Jamia Masjid in Kupwara district passed off peacefully.

Why J&K Observed Eid-ul-Adha on May 27

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God — a moment symbolising faith, devotion, and charity. The festival date in Jammu and Kashmir was set for 27 May, while most other Indian states observed it on 28 May. The one-day difference stems from regional Moon-sighting practices; religious bodies in several states announced that the crescent marking the start of Dhul-Hijjah had not been sighted on the earlier date.

National Holiday Adjustments

The date revision prompted schedule changes at the national level. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) announced that Central Government offices in Delhi and New Delhi would remain closed on 28 May instead of 27 May. The Supreme Court revised its holiday calendar accordingly, functioning normally on 27 May and advancing matters earlier listed for 28 May by a day.

States including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also shifted the Bakrid holiday to 28 May. In Telangana, the Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan confirmed the revised date after Dhul-Qa'dah completed 30 days. Andhra Pradesh additionally postponed its Intermediate Public Advanced Supplementary Examinations that had been scheduled for 28 May. Notably, J&K's observance on 27 May reflects a longstanding tradition of independent Moon-sighting in the region, distinct from the national consensus date.

Significance of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is one of the two principal festivals in Islam, marking the culmination of the annual Haj pilgrimage. Across Jammu and Kashmir, the day was observed with prayers, festive meals, acts of charity, and an emphasis on communal harmony — themes that carry particular resonance in a region that has seen decades of conflict. This year's celebrations were marked by calls for peaceful coexistence from religious and political voices alike.