Srinagar, Aug 19: Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday with religious fervor and gaiety as special congregational prayers would be organized all over the state.
 In Srinagar, the biggest congregations would be held at Eidgah, Hazratbal, Khanqah-e-Maula and other mosques.
 The Imams and clerics would deliver special sermons on the occasion highlighting the essence of the festive occasion.
 The biggest Eid congregation in the valley is expected to take place at Eidgah where Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his capacity as the chief preacher, will deliver the Eid sermon.
 The Hazratbal mosque, Tourist Reception Centre ground and Jenab Sahib Soura are also expected to witness thousands of people attending the Eid prayers.
 The Divisional Administration of Kashmir has finalised all the arrangements for the Eid celebrations, including public transport facility for the devotees.
 A 2000-car parking lot has been set up in the heart of the city for the convenience of those attending prayers around Polo Ground.
 Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
 Both pro-freedom leaders and mainstream politicians have wished the people on the occasion.
 The separatists have asked people to observe this festive occasion with simplicity and austerity while remembering the sacrifices of those who laid their life for Kashmir movement.
 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah felicitated people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr wishing them well being and prosperity.
 In his Eid message, Omar reminded people of the essence of Eid adding that this day demands that people should remember poor and needy, and share happiness with them.
 “Eid also embeds the message of taking care of the needy and making them part of the happiness by extending economic support to them,” he said and expressed the hope that this Eid would bring peace, prosperity and well-being to the state and the people all over the world.
 The Governor, NN Vohra, extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
 In a message of felicitations, Vohra expressed the hope that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of sustained peace, progress, prosperity and happiness and would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity, which are the hallmarks of the state’s glorious pluralistic traditions.
 The Governor prayed for the well-being of the people of the state.
 People in Kashmir, like in other places, start preparations for Eid more than a week ahead. The festive mood has engulfed the Valley for the past few days as people flocked to markets to buy bakeries and confectioneries.
 Rush of youth and children continues in the market to buy new clothes and gift items.
 The summer capital’s commercial hub, Lal Chowk, witnessed huge rush of people from all across the valley for shopping purpose.
 Long queues of customers are seen outside bakery and confectionary shops. Mutton and poultry products also remain in high demand on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST