Srinagar, Eid-ul-Adha, known as festival of sacrifice, was on Saturday celebrated in with religious fervor in the Kashmir valley, where festivity was missing this time due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands of sheep and goats were sacrificed across the Kashmir valley despite restrictions due to fresh lock down issued by the government till August 5. However, due to spike in the coronavirus cases, which has claimed 377 lives till Friday night and financial problems, this time very less animals were sacrificed. All main shrines and Jamia Masjids remained closed since March this year due to restrictions and lock down.
No prayers were also held in Eidgahs and other open grounds to avoid further spread of COVID-19. However, this time people offered Eid prayers in local mosques in the down town, civil lines and uptown. All devotees were seen wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
Reports of offering of Eid prayers in small mosques were also received from other parts of the valley. However, this time there was no festivity and majority parks and other places wore a deserted look as children remained indoors. Meanwhile, Lt Governor G C Murmu, his advisors, Chief secretary, Director General of Police and other senior police officers and leaders of different political parties also greeted people on the occasion.
However, they urged people to follow the guidelines issued by the administration to prevent spread of virus.