Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Mar 29: With Ramadhan 2025 ending, the Kashmir Valley saw a month filled with intense spiritual fervour, acts of charity and celebratory get-togethers.
The holy month witnessed huge congregations at mosques, crowded markets and community-based initiatives for assisting the underprivileged.
During the month, mosques in the valley, such as Jamia Masjid, Hazratbal Srinagar and others, continued to be full of devotees for prayers, particularly at Taraweeh and Jumah.
Sahil, a Downtown Srinagar resident, said worship at Jamia Masjid during Ramadan is a religious experience like no other. He said there is an aura of devotion and togetherness.
Worshipers also practised fasting and engaging in religious activities, affirming the importance of religion and congregation.
Street Iftars became an important part of Ramadhan this year, as locals and volunteers provided meals at hospitals, busy street corners and near mosques. NGOs and volunteers increased food distribution activities, providing patients and hospital attendants with Iftar and Suhoor food. Masjid Bilal in Srinagar also followed its usual practice of arranging large Iftar get-togethers, bringing people into a closer fold.
A volunteer said they were distributing Iftar meals daily in the vicinity of hospitals and mosques. “It is heartwarming to see people congregating to support needy people,” he added.
Markets experienced a rush, with consumers flooding shops to buy Ramadhan necessities, festive wear and dry fruits. Restaurants and hotels experienced an upsurge in reservations as families and friends came together to enjoy special “Iftar buffets”, savouring traditional Wazwan and other mouth-watering dishes.
At the same time, the ancient tradition of Sahar Khans—drummers going door to door to wake individuals for Suhoor—also continued, keeping Kashmir’s cultural heritage alive.
While Ramadan ushered in a festive atmosphere, there was a palpable rise in street begging seen throughout Srinagar and other districts. Most people going about seeking alms were spotted outside mosques and in business centres, leading to debate on the increasing socio-economic issues of the region.
On the last Friday of Ramadhan, a large number of believers gathered for Jumah prayers, with more than a lakh showing up at Hazratbal and other big mosques.
Interestingly, the eagerness for Eid also meant a last-minute spurt of shopping, with shoppers flocking to markets for new clothes, sweets and gifts.
Huzaif from Soura, Srinagar, said that fasting is not only about starving the body but self-discipline and spirituality. “This month helps us draw nearer to Allah and our people,” he said. (KNO)
