Srinagar, April 02 : The holy month of Ramazan will commence from Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervour.
For the first time two years, people in large numbers offered prayers including Taraweeh (night prayers) in Masjids and shrines without the fear of covid-19 and without maintaining social distancing during the prayers. In the previous two years, people could not offer the prayers in Masjids and shrines amid restrictions on account of the covid-19.
Earlier Ramazan moon was sighted and reports of its sighting were received from number of places.
“The moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan has been sighted. The holy month will begin from April 3, Sunday,” J&K Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said. “We have received ample testimonies,” he said.
Markets of summer capital Srinagar and elsewhere are expected to be thronged by a large number of people especially shops and vendors selling dates and other eatables.
Meanwhile Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, today had a detailed review of arrangements being put in place by divisional administration for the Holy Month of Ramzan and Navratri festival.
Chief Secretary took stock of availability of essentials including ration, kerosene, LPG, electricity and water supply in the valley, an official spokesman said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, DC Srinagar, Commissioner SMC and Chief Engineers of line departments were present on the occasion.
Chief Secretary asked the officers of all departments to ensure that all necessary services are extended to the people during the month so that they celebrate their religious days in a convenient manner. He directed KPDCL officers to ensure uninterrupted power supply at peak hours of Sehri and Iftaar. He also directed the PHE officers to ensure adequate supply of drinking water to the public during the period.
Chief Secretary further directed for continuous market checking to curb profiteering and hoarding by traders and shopkeepers. He asked for initiating strict action against the erring traders so that the innocent customers do not suffer on this account.
Later, Chief Secretary took stock of arrangements put in place to facilitate devotees during Navratri festival like sanitation, electricity and water supply and other basic amenities put in place at various temples including Shankaracharya, Hariparbat, Kheer Bhawani and other such destinations of the valley.
Divisional Commissioner briefed the meeting that sufficient quantity of essentials has been made available by the Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department for convenience of the people. He informed that adequate measures have been taken up to ensure essential supply of consumables during the festive days adding that sufficient stock for a couple of months has been distributed among districts.
He said directions have been given to district administrations to keep stocks available to people living in remote areas so that they don’t face any difficulty during the month of fasting. (GNS)
