SRINAGAR: As Kashmir moved past another Eid-ul-Adha marked by family gatherings, prayers and celebrations across the Valley, the continued closure of Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah grounds for congregational Eid prayers remained a subject of concern and debate, with this year marking the eighth consecutive Eid without prayers at the two iconic venues.
Authorities on Wednesday did not permit Eid congregations at the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta or the sprawling Eidgah grounds in old Srinagar, continuing a restriction that has remained in place since 2019. Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was scheduled to lead the prayers and deliver the Eid sermon, said he was placed under house arrest ahead of Eid.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid had earlier announced that Eid prayers would be held at the Eidgah at 9:30 am if weather conditions remained favourable, with arrangements shifted to Jamia Masjid in case of rain. However, security restrictions prevented congregational prayers at both venues.
“For the eighth consecutive year, Muslims of Kashmir have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid,” Mirwaiz said in a statement issued on Eid day.
He described the restrictions as deeply painful for the people, saying that generations of Kashmiris had traditionally associated Eid with mass congregations at Eidgah and Jamia Masjid.
“It is unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Eid prayers at Eidgah and the festivities associated with them. An entire generation is being deprived of traditions and memories that shaped our collective life for centuries,” he said.
The Eidgah grounds and Jamia Masjid have historically occupied a central place in Kashmir’s religious and social life. For decades, the Eidgah hosted the Valley’s largest Eid congregations, drawing worshippers from Srinagar and adjoining districts. The Jamia Masjid, a 14th-century architectural landmark in downtown Srinagar, has similarly remained at the heart of Kashmir’s religious discourse.
The last major Eid prayers at the Eidgah were held before the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Since then, authorities have repeatedly disallowed large congregations at the two venues on Eid and other significant religious occasions, citing security and law-and-order concerns in Srinagar’s old city areas.
While no formal written order was issued this Eid explaining the restrictions, security deployment was visible around the Jamia Masjid and the residence of the Mirwaiz in Srinagar’s Nigeen locality.
Even as prayers were barred at the historic venues, Eid-ul-Adha was otherwise observed peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir. Tens of thousands of worshippers offered prayers at shrines and mosques across the Valley, with the largest gathering taking place at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, senior political leaders and officials joined worshippers at Hazratbal, where special prayers were held amid tight security arrangements. Nearly 60,000 people offered Eid prayers at Hazratbal.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other political leaders extended Eid greetings, calling for peace, harmony and prosperity in the region.
