Shawwal moon sighted, Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday

Shawwal moon was sighted in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening, said J&K Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam.

“Ample of testimonies were received from many parts of the state, therefore, the 1st of Shawwal 1440 Hijri will be on Wednesday 5th June. Based on local moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Wednesday 5th June 2019,” Grand Mufti told Greater Kashmir.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of thanksgiving, marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadhan.

Greeting people on the Eid-ul-Fitr, he appealed Muslims to celebrate Eid with austerity and help poor and downtrodden.

Shawwal moon has also been sighted in Pakistan.

Kashmiris Drown In Festive Spirit; Markets, Roads Jam-Packed

Eid al Fitr in 2019: Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast observed by Muslims worlwide.

SRINAGAR: 

As Eid 2019 approaches, markets in Kashmir Valley are flooded with enthusiastic shoppers. True to the festive spirit, Kashmiris are queuing up at bakeries, mutton and poultry shops, departmental stores, sweet shops, ready-made garment shops and shops selling toys, mobile phones, refrigerators to buy every imaginable thing that can add to the festivities of Eid-ul-fitr on Wednesday.

Most interior and even main roads are choked as people are out for Eid shopping. During this joyous time, prices were not the priority. Mutton is being sold in Srinagar and other places at Rs. 550 per kg while the officially announced rate is Rs. 450 per kg, but the mutton shops were seen doing brisk business.

"All that the buyers are worried about is the availability of things they want to buy, prices seem to be nobody's concern," said Muhammad Ashraf, a resident of old city Srinagar as he waited for his turn at a bakery shop.

Road leading to various markets is seeing massive traffic jams. Gonikhan and Nowhatta markets, which are popular for women and children items, have been jam-packed with Eid most likely to be tomorrow. The Eid date will be confirmed by evening after the moon sighting.

The roadside vendors have also set up stalls at Lal Chowk and in adjoining areas selling different merchandise. Serpentine queues are also seen at ATM outlets and banks.

The fasting month will end on Tuesday or day after depending on the sighting of the moon.

Many charitable trusts have come up in Kashmir especially during the last two decades whose account books are annually audited and results are published for public scrutiny. People lavishly contribute to these charitable trusts and help others' Eid a joyous occasion.

Eid-ul-fitr has a special significance as it marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast that is observed by Muslims across the world. The holy fast or roza is observed from sunrise to sunset. After Ramadan, Eid is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid gifts, known as Eidi, are given to children and relatives on this festival of breaking the fast.

Markets in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Kashmir valley wore a festive look

Markets in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Kashmir valley wore a festive look Monday as people began shopping for Eid-ul-Fitr which will be celebrated this week to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Bakeries, confectioneries and toy shops witnessed heavy rush of customers as Muslims began the preparation for the Eid festival at the end month-long fasting.

Shops selling readymade garments, clothes and shoes, besides mutton and chicken, were found doing brisk business.

Road leading to various markets witnessed massive traffic jams as people thronged them for shopping.

Markets like Gonikhan and Nowhatta, which are popular for women and children items, were jam-packed since the morning.

The roadside vendors have also set up stalls at Lal Chowk and in adjoining areas selling all kinds of merchandise. Serpentine queues were witnessed at ATM outlets and banks.

The fasting month will end on Tuesday or day after depending on the sighting of the moon.