No Eid prayers at Eidgah due to construction work: Waqf

The Waqf Board on Sunday announced that the Eid prayers would not be held at the historic Eidgah in Srinagar even as the managing committee of the Jama Masjid announced that the prayers would be held at the venue and urged the authorities not to create hindrance.

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The chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Darakshan Andrabi, stated that the arrangements for the Eid prayers have been made at the Hazratbal shrine in view of the ongoing construction work at the Eidgah.

Eidgah has been a traditional site for holding prayers for thousands of Muslims in the Valley. But for the past many years, the authorities have not allowed prayers at the Eidgah due to different reasons.

Andrabi said that the Waqf Board had completed all the arrangements for prayers at the Hazratbal, where it would be a major congregation.

Meanwhile, Anjuman Auqaf, the managing committee of the Srinagar Jama Masjid, stated that according to the Islamic tradition, the Eid-ul-Fitr congregational prayers would be offered at the historic Eidgah at 10 am.

The Auqaf said that the Eid sermon would be delivered by Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at 9 am. “People are requested to reach Eidgah early to benefit from the sermon and participate in the collective prayers. The Auqaf expressed hope that the authorities will not create any interference or obstacles and will facilitate the smooth conduct of Eid prayers at Eidgah, respecting the religious sentiments and rights of the people,” read a statement by the Auqaf.

It further read, “It is strongly urged that no attempt should be made to disallow the prayers, as witnessed on Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida, which caused widespread resentment and hurt among the people. It is expected that such actions will not be repeated on this sacred occasion”.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also the chairman of Hurriyat Conference, visited Eidgah to personally review the arrangements and ground conditions. After inspecting the site, he expressed satisfaction that the Eid congregation could be held smoothly amid the prevailing dry weather, the statement added.