Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, March 21: Thousands of worshippers across north Kashmir’s Bandipora district offered special congregational prayers on Saturday to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival that concludes the holy month of Ramadan.
The largest gathering was witnessed at the revered Ahemshareef shrine in Bandipora, where devotees assembled early in the morning to participate in the Eid prayers. People from different villages and towns of the district thronged the shrine, filling the premises and nearby areas.
The men, elders and children joined the prayers in large numbers. After the prayers concluded, people exchanged Eid greetings warmly, hugged each other and wished peace and happiness to their families and communities. The atmosphere was festive as worshippers shared smiles and messages of goodwill.
Religious scholars highlighted the spiritual importance of Eid and urged people to uphold the values of compassion, patience and charity that were practiced during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We prayed for peace not only in Kashmir but across the entire world. Humanity needs harmony and understanding,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local resident who offered prayers at Ahemshareef.
Another worshipper, Mohammad Yousuf, said Ramadan teaches patience and kindness. “Ramadan reminds us to help the poor and stay united. On Eid, we pray that peace prevails everywhere and people live with dignity,” he said.
Authorities had made necessary arrangements around major prayer grounds to ensure smooth movement and security, while volunteers assisted the elderly and managed the large gathering.
