Srinagar welcomes Ramadhan with packed masjids, community Iftars
Srinagar, Feb 19: Srinagar transformed into a familiar rhythm on Thursday as the first day of Ramadhan unfolded with packed masjids, steady streams of worshippers, and visible preparations for community iftars.
From early morning, masjids across the city witnessed heavy footfall, with worshippers lining up patiently to perform ablution. Inside prayer halls, space quickly ran out, forcing latecomers to pray in corridors and courtyards. The day was marked by supplications and the steady shuffle of feet, as people marked the beginning of the holy month.
Major places of worship, including the historic Jamia Masjid and the revered Hazratbal Shrine, were thronged throughout the morning and daytime prayers. Similar scenes played out in masjids across Lal Chowk and adjoining areas, where worshippers stood shoulder to shoulder, many waiting in long queues for ablution.
Outside masjids and shrines, Ramadhan’s distinctive bustle extended to the streets. Makeshift stalls selling prayer beads, miswaks, skullcaps, attars, and Islamic books cropped up near entrances. Mushtaq Ahmad, a vendor at Hazratbal, said the holy month brings both spiritual warmth and economic hope. “Ramadhan means jam-packed masjids and more people outside as well. We set up stalls expecting better business. These days are important for us,” he said.
Preparations for community iftars were also in full swing. Along the banks of the Jhelum River near Lal Chowk, the management of Masjid Bilal had pitched tents, spread canvas sheets, and laid matting for worshippers. “I work in an office here and pray in this mosque every Ramadan. Many days, I also break my fast here. It feels like a shared family space,” said Junaid Ahmad, a worshipper.
Across Srinagar’s neighbourhoods, fruit vendors and door-to-door sellers were seen selling dates, apples, and bananas, staples of the evening iftar. Traders said demand had picked up noticeably. Shoppers, however, cautioned against overpricing. “Fruits and dates are central to breaking the fast. People buy them willingly, but there should be no profiteering,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a local from Downtown.
Charitable activity, another defining feature of Ramadhan, also made a visible comeback. Announcements over public address systems appealing for donations were a common scene on the day. While welcoming the spirit of generosity, locals urged proper regulation. “Charity should reach the genuine needy. There must be a system so deserving people benefit, and fraudsters are kept away,” said another local.
With roadside iftars expected to resume in the coming days, Srinagar’s first Ramadhan day reflected a city easing into the holy month, while blending devotion and compassion in equal measure.
