Jammu & Kashmir: Eid prayers offered at Hazratbal; restrictions at Jama Masjid persist

March 21, 2026

Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated in Kashmir on Saturday. Thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of Dal Lake at the Hazratbal Shrine to offer prayers.

However, permission was not granted for Eid prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in the old city of Srinagar. Approximately 50,000 people participated in the prayers at Hazratbal, marking the largest Eid congregation ever witnessed in Kashmir.

A heavy contingent of security forces was deployed in the Nowhatta area, specifically around the Jama Masjid, to prevent anyone from gathering there for prayers. Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq noted that this marks the seventh consecutive year that prayers have been banned at the Jama Masjid—a restriction that transforms a day of joy for Muslims into one of sorrow and deprivation.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah were among those who offered prayers at Hazratbal.

Security forces remained deployed at sensitive locations across the city amidst apprehensions of anti-US and anti-Israel protests breaking out following the Eid prayers.

Eid-ul-Fitr was also celebrated in the Jammu region. Here, large crowds gathered at various Eidgahs and mosques to pray for the cessation of conflicts in the Middle East and for global peace.

The main congregation took place at the Residency Road Eidgah, while prayers were also offered at the Mecca Masjid (Bhatindi) and the Jama Masjid (Talab Khatikan). Emphasizing the significance of the day, religious scholars spoke on themes of compassion, self-sacrifice, and gratitude. Jammu’s Shahi Imam, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi, stated that Eid is a festival of joy, gratitude, and brotherhood that follows a period of fasting and worship.