Srinagar: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir would celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, on Monday to mark the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Shawaal moon has been sighted and Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on June 16 across Jammu and Kashmir. Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on the first day of Islamic month of Shawaal.

“It took us around one hour in gathering testimonies from across Kashmir. We have received ample testimonies. The moon was sighted in Kupwara, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla and other districts of the Valley,” the Grand Mufti said.

Also greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and urged them to celebrate it with austerity.

His announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced sighting of Shawal moon that marks the end of the holy month of fasting.

Thousands of people are expected to attend congregational Eid prayers in Eidgahs, Masjids and Shrines across the State where scholars and clerics would throw light on the significance of the festival of thanksgiving.

The biggest gathering of devotees is expected at historical Eidgah in old Srinagar’s and Hazratbal shrine on city outskirts.

Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is scheduled to address people ahead of Eid prayers at Eidgah here at 8:30 am while Eid prayers are scheduled to be offered there at 9:30 am.

At Hazratbal, Moulana Syed Ahmad Syed Farooqi is scheduled to deliver a sermon while Eid prayers are scheduled to be offered at 10:30 am there.

Meanwhile, big gatherings are also expected in main Eidgahs, shrines and Masjids in Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara, Pattan, Sumbal, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Charar-i-Sharif, Shopian, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Beerwah, Tral, Pampore, Kulgam, Jammu, Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Poonch and Rajouri.

After the prayers, people generally visit their relatives to extend Eid greetings.

Meanwhile, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr, markets in the summer capital and elsewhere were abuzz with shoppers. People were seen buying clothes and toys for children apart from food and bakery items.

Governor NN Vohra has conveyed warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his message, the Governor expressed hope that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of peace, progress, prosperity and happiness and would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity, which are the hallmarks of J&K’s glorious pluralistic traditions.

The Governor prayed for the progress and well-being of the people of the State.

Meanwhile Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has felicitated people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Fitr.

In her felicitation message, the Chief Minister hoped this Eid brings along everlasting peace, happiness and prosperity to the people of the State.

Mehbooba prayed that the month-long fasting and the night-long supplications of the faithful are accepted and rewarded by the Almighty. She hoped the spirit of generosity, discipline and piety generated through the holy month is carried hereafter by people in their daily lives as well.

On the occasion, Mehbooba also prayed for communal harmony, brotherhood and upholding human values in the State.