Falak Bilal
Srinagar: As the crescent moon is sighted over the snow-capped peaks and shimmering lakes of Kashmir, a wave of joy sweeps across the Valley. Eid-ul-Fitr — marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan — is not merely a festival here; it is a deeply rooted cultural experience woven with faith, family traditions, cuisine, commerce and community bonding.
The day begins early. Even before sunrise, men, women and children dressed in freshly pressed traditional attire make their way towards mosques and Eidgah grounds. Among the most iconic places of worship is the historic Dargah Hazratbal, where thousands gather for congregational prayers.
“For us, Eid prayers are the most emotional moment of the year,” says Abdul Rashid, a schoolteacher from Budgam. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with neighbours and strangers reminds us that faith binds us all.”
After prayers, the customary greetings of “Eid Mubarak” echo everywhere as people embrace and exchange blessings.
Back in homes, preparations begin days in advance. Kitchens become centres of activity where mothers and grandmothers prepare elaborate meals. Traditional dishes like rogan josh, yakhni, tabakh maaz and fragrant pulao dominate the Eid menu.
No celebration is complete without sheer khurma, a sweet vermicelli pudding cooked with milk, dates and dry fruits, symbolising sweetness after the discipline of Ramadhan. Guests are served kehwa — the famous Kashmiri green tea infused with saffron and almonds — as conversations flow late into the day.
“Eid is when our house feels most alive,” says housewife Naseema Jan from Srinagar. “Relatives visit, children laugh, and we cook more food than we need — because sharing is part of the joy.”
In the final days of Ramadhan, markets across the Valley transform into vibrant hubs of activity. In the old city areas of Srinagar, shopfronts glow under decorative lights while vendors display colourful pherans, embroidered suits, footwear and jewellery.
Parents are often seen bargaining over prices while children excitedly try on new outfits. For many families, buying Eid clothes is not just a custom but an emotional ritual.
Shopkeeper Bilal Ahmad, who runs a garment store near Nowhatta, says Eid season is crucial for livelihoods. “This festival supports thousands of small traders. A good Eid sale can sustain our business for months,” he explains.
Young shoppers too feel the anticipation. “Wearing new clothes and meeting cousins is the best part,” laughs 12-year-old Aaliya. “We plan our outfits weeks before Eid!”
Central to Eid celebrations is the practice of Zakat-ul-Fitr, a form of charity given before prayers so that even the less fortunate can celebrate with dignity. Community groups and volunteers organise donation drives, distribute food packages and arrange collective feasts in several neighbourhoods.
In many villages, it is common for families to visit elderly neighbours or those living alone, ensuring no one feels excluded on the festive day.
“Eid teaches us empathy,” says social worker Irfan Dar. “In Kashmir’s closely knit society, people naturally look after one another.”
The celebrations continue well beyond the morning rituals. Families embark on visits to relatives’ homes, exchange gifts and sometimes head to scenic spots for picnics. Public gardens along Dal Lake and countryside meadows witness groups enjoying traditional snacks, photography and games.
Children receive Eidi — small cash gifts from elders — which they eagerly spend on sweets, toys or rides at temporary amusement stalls set up in towns.
Music, storytelling and recollections of past Eids often dominate evening gatherings, reinforcing intergenerational bonds.
Despite changing times and occasional challenges, Eid in Kashmir retains its unique blend of spirituality and cultural richness. The festival offers a pause — a moment for gratitude, reconciliation and renewed hope.
As twilight settles over the Valley and the call to prayer mingles with laughter from illuminated homes, Eid becomes more than a celebration. It turns into a collective expression of identity, resilience and togetherness that defines Kashmir’s social fabric.
