Kashmir Pen News Bureau
Photo : Haamid Bala
SRINAGAR, September 5,K Pen: What should have been a day of unity and devotion — Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) — turned into a source of discontent across Jammu and Kashmir after the government declared the holiday on the wrong date, ignoring the traditional moon-sighting practice followed by the Muslim community.
Religious leaders and political parties alike have condemned the move, calling it “insensitive” and “out of touch with ground realities.”
Eid-e-Milad, observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, fell on September 5 this year. However, the administration’s gazette notification failed to align with the local moon-sighting consensus. Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam described the decision as “disrespectful to a revered day,” echoing the frustration of thousands who felt their spiritual observance had been reduced to an administrative formality.
This is not the first instance. Similar controversies arose in 2023 and 2022, when mismatched holiday announcements caused confusion and even protests in parts of the Valley.
The National Conference (NC) strongly criticized the government. Party leader and former CM Omar Abdullah wrote on X: “Our faith isn’t a footnote in your files. Respect the moon-sighting tradition.”
Public reaction was equally sharp on social media. One user posted: “Eid-e-Milad is our pride, not a date to be toyed with. #MoonSightingMatters.” Another added: “Year after year, they mess up our sacred days. Is it ignorance or arrogance?”
Observers point out that these repeated lapses deepen the perception of a disconnect between governance and people’s cultural identity. Past missteps with Eid-ul-Adha and other festivals have further fueled the sentiment that bureaucratic convenience is often placed above community traditions.
Religious scholars and community leaders have urged the administration to work in closer consultation with clerics to ensure future holiday notifications are aligned with Islamic traditions. The NC has pledged its support to push for corrective measures.
As one online post summed it up: “If you can’t see the moon, at least see our faith.”
