Eid-ul-Adha prayers concluded peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, 27 May, as large numbers of devotees gathered at mosques, shrines, and Eidgah grounds throughout the union territory to offer prayers, exchange greetings, and mark the festival. The occasion, which commemorates the tradition of sacrifice set by Prophet Ibrahim and marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, was observed with traditional fervour — though a ban on prayers at the historic Eidgah grounds in Srinagar's old city drew sharp criticism from religious leaders.

Key Gatherings Across the Region

Among the largest congregations was at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former Chief Ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti joined thousands of worshippers for the morning prayers. Significant gatherings were also reported at all district headquarters, including Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, and Anantnag.

In Jammu, prayers were held at mosques across the city, with notably larger congregations at the Eidgah ground on Residency Road and in the Bhatindi area. Devotees dressed in traditional attire, and children accompanied their families to mosques and shrines.

Security and Traffic Management

Police and security forces were deployed across the union territory to ensure the safety of worshippers and maintain public order. Special traffic management plans were put in place to handle the movement of large congregations, and the day passed without any reported untoward incident.

Eidgah Ban Draws Religious Leader's Rebuke

The day was not without controversy. Authorities did not permit Eid prayers at the Eidgah grounds in Srinagar's old city — a restriction that has now been in place for eight consecutive years, according to senior cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who also said he was placed under house arrest on the occasion.

In a post on X, Mirwaiz Umar said: 'For the 8th consecutive year, Muslims of Kashmir have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid, and I have been placed under house arrest. On the revered and celebratory occasion of Eid, Muslims of Kashmir are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked gates and intimidation. This is not governance; it is a systematic assault on our religious identity, dignity and fundamental rights which deeply hurts us.'

He further stated: 'It is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Eid prayers at Eidgah and the festivities thereof. An entire generation is being deprived of knowing their traditions and making memories that have shaped our collective life for centuries. But let those in power know that no power on earth can erase the deep spiritual bond people of Kashmir share with Eidgah, Jama Masjid and their religious institutions. Faith cannot be imprisoned or suppressed through force.'

Authorities had not issued any official public statement on the restriction at the time of reporting.

Significance of Eid-ul-Adha

Immediately following the morning prayers, Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir observed the ritual of animal sacrifice, in accordance with the tradition commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience. The festival also marks the successful conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

With the Eidgah ban entering its eighth year and no official explanation forthcoming, the question of religious access at heritage sites in the valley is likely to remain a point of contention in the months ahead.