Srinagar, 7 June (H.S.): Thousands of devout Muslims gathered across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday to offer Eid al-Adha prayers. Peaceful congregations were also held in various cities and towns throughout the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah joined the devotees in offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

Hundreds of Muslims gathered at the shrine’s lawns to offer prayers. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also offered Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.

This is the holiest Muslim shrine in J&K as it houses the Holy Relic of the Prophet.

Authorities had made adequate arrangements for security, sanitation, and healthcare at different places for the devotees in Srinagar city and all other cities and towns across J&K.

In Jammu city, the main Eid congregation was held at the Eidgah grounds in the Residency Road area of the city. Hindu and Sikh friends of Muslims were the first to greet them at the end of the Eid prayers in Jammu, Poonch & Rajouri districts.

Large Eid congregations were also held in Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian districts.

Children wearing new clothes accompanied their fathers to various Eidgahs, and after the prayers, Muslims embraced each other to carry forward the universal message of inclusive brotherhood of Islam.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar