Srinagar, Nov 27: Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, is being celebrated with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm all over Jammu and Kashmir along with several parts of the Muslim world on Saturday.
Hundreds of thousands of animals are being sacrificed over the next two and a half days to commemorate the supreme sacrifice offered by the holy Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when, in compliance with the divine command, He laid His son, Prophet Ismail (AS) at the altar near the holy city of Makkah several thousands years ago.
Muslims all over the world offer sacrifice of animals on the occasion to recall the unflinching submission of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) before the will of Allah. The occasion coincides with the performance of the Hajj, one of the fundamentals of Islamic worship, spread over five days when millions of devotees perform various Manasiks, including daylong stay in Maidan-i-Arafat, stoning of the satan (devil) at Mina and Tawwaf around the holy Ka’aba at Makkah.
Special congregational Eid prayers would be organized all over Jammu and Kashmir. At Srinagar, the biggest congregations would be held at the historic Jamia Masjid, Durgah Asar-i-Sharif at Hazratbal, Khanqah-e-Mu’alla, Polo Ground Masjid, Jami’at-e-Ahlihadees Masjid at Gawkadal, Ziarat Syed Sahib at Sonwar, Janab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Kalashpora and most other mosques and shrines.
The Imams and clerics will deliver sermons on the occasion highlighting the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).
Lakhs of devotees attired in their colourful best would join the special prayers at which they will invoke divine blessings. In the event of inclement weather, many people would offer congregational prayers at their local Masjids. Eid prayers might also be organized at Eidgahs in case weather remained favourable.
Similar congregations would be held in all major and small towns across the valley, at the winter capital, Jammu, Doda, Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Banihal, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Surankot, Darhal, Batote, Ramban and other towns.
The Eid festivities would be marked by visitations to relatives, friends and neighbours to offer felicitations, to distribute sacrificial meat, sweets and gifts while the women folks will sing traditional songs. Elders will distribute Eidi among children.

Sky to remain overcast
Jammu, Nov 27: The sky will remain overcast tomorrow, Eid-ul-Azha, in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, according to a Metrological department handout.
It said Srinagar would witness light rain and snow in the higher reaches. The day temperature here will range between 9 to 11 C while as night temperature will be between 1 to -2 C.
The day temperature in Jammu will be between 24 to 26 C while as night temperature will be between 6 and 8 C.
The day temperature in Leh will range between 0 to 6 C and night temperature between -16 and 18 C.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST