Srinagar, June 9, 2025 – Eid-ul-Azha, also known as Bakrid or the Feast of Sacrifice, was celebrated with religious fervour and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir, with the largest congregation of over 40,000 worshippers at the Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the Islamic lunar calendar’s final month, the festival saw Muslims offering prayers and performing ritual sacrifices to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah.
The Hazratbal Shrine, a key spiritual and cultural site in Kashmir, hosted the region’s largest Eid-ul-Adha prayer gathering at 10 a.m., drawing men, women, and children in a display of unity and faith. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti joined the prayers at Hazratbal, reinforcing the festival’s message of compassion and brotherhood. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended greetings, saying, “Let’s strengthen unity, harmony, and work with love and compassion for the well-being of all.”
Smaller prayer gatherings took place across the Kashmir Valley at mosques and shrines like Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith Gaw Kadal, Asar-e-Sharif Jenab Sahib Soura, and Khanqah-e-Maula. However, authorities disallowed congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah ground in Srinagar’s old city for the seventh consecutive year, citing security concerns. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq alleged he was placed under house arrest, prompting criticism from Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who called the restrictions an interference in religious freedom.
Eid-ul-Azha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael, per Islamic tradition) in obedience to Allah’s command. The Quran narrates that Allah replaced the son with a ram, symbolizing mercy and devotion. Muslims performed Qurbani, sacrificing livestock like sheep, goats, or camels, and shared the meat with family, friends, and the needy to promote charity. In Kashmir, thousands of animals were sacrificed, with markets bustling in the lead-up to the festival.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, alongside the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, J&K Police, Public Health Engineering, Power Development Department, and Health Department, ensured smooth celebrations. The J&K Waqf Board, led by chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, reviewed arrangements, focusing on sanitation, security, and facilities at prayer sites. Andrabi noted, “Eid-ul-Adha teaches us the significance of sacrifice, love, and compassion. Let’s spread happiness and help others celebrate with piousness.” Markets around Hazratbal, including Goni Market and Lal Chowk, saw heavy footfall for livestock and festive essentials.
Security was heightened following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, with additional personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful festival. While celebrations were largely incident-free, the restrictions on prayers at Jamia Masjid and Eidgah drew attention. Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment, stating, “These are the same people who stood against violence with peace. The government must learn to trust its citizens.”
In the Jammu division, the largest congregation was at the Eidgah in Jammu city, with smaller gatherings at mosques like Mecca Masjid. Across India, Eid-ul-Azha was marked with prayers and charity at sites like Jama Masjid in New Delhi, Aishbagh Eidgah in Lucknow, and Taj-ul-Masajid in Bhopal. Leaders like Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended greetings, emphasizing unity and prosperity.
The festival featured traditional Kashmiri dishes like haleem, kabab, and biryani, with families sharing meals to strengthen bonds. The vibrant atmosphere around Hazratbal, coupled with its historical significance, added a unique charm to the celebrations.
Despite restrictions at some sites, Eid-ul-Azha 2025 in Srinagar highlighted the values of sacrifice, faith, and generosity, with the Hazratbal Shrine serving as the heart of the region’s largest gathering.
