Anti-US and Israel Slogans Raised in Bhopal on Eid; Black Bands in Rajasthan, First Namaz at Bengal's 'Babri' Site

Eid is being celebrated across the country today. Amidst these festivities, the impact of the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has been distinctly felt. Members of the Shia community arrived for prayers in Srinagar, Bhopal, Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Murshidabad (Bengal), and Sambhal (UP) wearing black armbands.

At the Imambara in Bhopal, tributes were paid by placing a portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his sermon, Maulana Razi-ul-Hasan emphasized the importance of standing up against oppression. The Shia community observed a "Black Eid" at the Fatehgarh Imambara; following the prayers, slogans of "Down with America and Israel" were raised.

In several districts of Rajasthan—including Jaipur, Sikar, and Ajmer—prayers were offered while wearing black armbands. Black flags were hoisted atop mosques. As a mark of protest, members of the Shia community refrained from wearing new clothes today. Even traditional festive delicacies typically prepared at home—such as *kheer* and *sewaiyan*—were not cooked.

People are gathering at mosques to offer Eid prayers. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the 'Jannati Darwaza' (Gate of Paradise) at the Khwaja Garib Nawaz Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, Rajasthan, was opened at 5:00 AM.

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti offered Eid prayers in Budgam. Speaking on the occasion, she stated, "Today, on behalf of us all, I extend my best wishes to the entire Muslim community. We pray to Allah Almighty to accept our fasts. We also appeal to everyone to pray to Allah that the hardships currently being faced by the Muslim community—whether in Palestine, Lebanon, or particularly in Iran—may be alleviated."

Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in Kashmir today, Saturday. The largest congregation of worshippers gathered at the Hazratbal Shrine, situated on the banks of Dal Lake.

Approximately 50,000 people offered prayers at Hazratbal. However, authorities did not grant permission for Eid prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar's Old City. This marks the seventh consecutive year that prayers have not been held at the Jama Masjid.

A large contingent of security forces was deployed at the Jama Masjid in the city's Nowhatta area to ensure that people did not gather at these locations for prayers.