Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 6: The Eid-ul-Zuha festival of sacrifices was celebrated across the Jammu region with full religious fervour and gaiety today. Thousands of Muslims attired in white dress offered Eid Namaz (special prayers) in various Eidgahs and mosques of the region.
In Jammu the main function was held at Eidgah Residency Road where thousands of Muslims drawn from different parts of the city participated in special Eid prayers.
As per the tradition Muslims also offered sacrifices which will continue for another two days. The Muslims from different parts of city attired in white dress thronged the Eidgah at Residency Road this morning to participate in special prayers. However no VIP including Minister was seen at Eidgah this time and the celebrations remained at a low key affair due to the devastation created by recent floods in the State in which over 300 people lost their lives.
Special payers were offered for the peace of their soul also on the occasion. Eid prayers were also offered at Ustad Mohalla mosque, Khatinka Talab, Talab Tillo, Eidgah in Malik Market Narwal, Karayani Talab Macca Masjid in Bhatandi, Digiana, Sidhrah and various other places in the Jammu city and its outskirts.
The members of Hindu community on the occasion were seen greeting their Muslim brethren.
Minister of Horticulture, Culture, Housing, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla, on the occasion of Eid –ul-Zuha today visited various Eidgahs of his home constituency including Malik Market in Narwal, Karyani Talab, Macca Masjid in Bathindi and Digiana and exchanged Eid greetings to people. While interacting with Muslim brethren, he said this joyous occasion would be a harbinger of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity which are the hallmark of the State’s glorious pluralistic behaviour.
In Rajouri district Eid Namaz besides Eidgah at Rajouri was also offered in the Eidgahs of Kalakote, Budhal, Kote Ranka, Darhal, Thannamandi and Manja Kote. At Rajouri thousands of Muslims participated in Eid prayers which were led by Khatib of Jama Masjid, Moulvi Ghulam Rasool. He also highlighted the significance of sacrifice in Islam.
Eid was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety in Poonch city and its surrounding areas. The main function was held at Poonch Eidgah where over 15,000 people offered Eid prayers. Moulvi Farooq Misbai head Moulvi led the people in Eid prayers. MLA Poonch Aijaz Jan and MLC Bashir Ahmed Naz also participated in the prayers. The officers of district administration were also present on the occasion to greet the people.
Eid was celebrated at Mendhar where a large number of people participated in Eid prayers. They were led by Moulana Mohammed Ayub Nakshbandi of the Jama Masjid. At Jama Masjid Harni Moulana Noor Ahmed Noori led the people in Eid prayers.
Eid was also celebrated at Samba, Vijaypur, Rakh Grotia, Thalodi, Badodi, Bari Brahmana, Patli Morh and various places in Kathua district.
At Banihal Minister of State for Power Vikar Rasool was among a large number of Muslims to offer the Eid prayers at Jama Masjid. He on the occasion appealed the people to celebrate the festival with simplicity this time.
Eid Namaz was also offered by members of Muslim community at Jama Masjid Ramban, Eidgah at Udhampur, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Doda.