Srinagar, June 7 -- Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated with religious fervour and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, as thousands of Muslims thronged mosques and Eidgahs to offer special prayers. The biggest congregation took place at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where over 40,000 worshippers gathered in the early hours to mark the auspicious occasion.

Smaller prayer gatherings were reported from mosques and shrines across the Valley, though prayers were notably absent from the historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah ground in Srinagar's old city.

Authorities denied permission for congregational prayers at these sites, citing security concerns. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq a...