Eid-e-Milad: Mismatch in official holiday and actual date sparks row in Kashmir

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision not to align the official public holiday with the actual date of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Friday sparked widespread criticism, with both religious leaders and the elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing disapproval.

Eid-e-Milad, observed as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), is among the most revered occasions for Muslims. The administration’s notification, however, did not match the date declared by clerics based on the lunar calendar, prompting accusations of insensitivity.

Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, strongly condemned the move in a post on X. “For the second consecutive year authorities have failed to reschedule the holiday in accordance with the actual date, disregarding the sentiments of the Muslim community,” he said.

“This deliberate negligence is unacceptable.” Mirwaiz added that he would raise the matter during his Friday sermon at Jama Masjid and also regretted what he called the “silence” of the elected government on the issue.

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, also criticised the government, calling it “most unfortunate” that the holiday was not adjusted to reflect the moon sighting. “It reflects a failure on part of the authorities,” he said in a statement.

The elected government has likewise voiced discontent. Health, Education and Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo said it was “totally unjust” to disregard the actual date of the sacred occasion.

In her post on X, she questioned the rationale of declaring holidays “subject to moon sighting” if such provisions were not being implemented.

“Despite repeated requests from the elected government to shift the holiday, no action has been taken. This is playing with the emotions of the people,” she wrote, stressing that such decisions should fall under the purview of the elected government.

While the administration has not issued a statement on the matter, the controversy highlights the continuing friction between bureaucratic decisions and local sensitivities in Jammu and Kashmir.