Srinagar, In a display of cultural and religious solidarity, Muslims in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in conjunction with Pakistan, diverging from the festival’s observance date in the rest of India. This synchronization with Pakistan’s Eid schedule underscores the longstanding ties between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the decision to celebrate Eid with Pakistan came after the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in Pakistan announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon on Tuesday night. Following this, Ulemas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Mufti Azam Nasirul Islam, declared Eid-ul-Fitr for the region.

The tradition of observing Ramadan and Eid in alignment with Pakistan’s calendar has been a consistent practice since 1947, reflecting the region’s strong cultural and religious connections with Pakistan. Despite India’s official stance to celebrate Eid a day later, the local population in Jammu and Kashmir chose to follow the announcement made by Pakistan, emphasizing the significant cultural influence Pakistan holds in the area.