The controversy over the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s refusal to shift the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) holiday escalated on Friday, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joining other political and religious leaders in criticising the move.
Earlier in the day, Education Minister Sakina Itoo lashed out at the LG-led administration, saying such decisions amounted to “playing with the emotions” of people. “Eid-e-Milad, a sacred occasion for Muslims worldwide, is not observed as a holiday on the correct date in J&K. What does ‘subject to appearance of the moon’ mean if it is not followed? Despite repeated requests from the elected government to shift the holiday, no action has been taken,” she wrote on X, adding that sensitive issues should be decided by an elected government, not bureaucrats.
Abdullah echoed her concerns, stressing that even the government calendar issued by the Press had carried the clause “subject to the appearance of the moon.” “The deliberate decision by the unelected government to not shift the holiday is inconsiderate and designed to hurt the sentiments of the people,” he said in a post on X.Prominent religious leaders have also voiced anger. Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam termed the notification “most unfortunate,” saying the administration’s failure to align the holiday with the actual moon sighting reflected “a negative approach” to a day of immense spiritual significance.
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, meanwhile, described the refusal to reschedule as “utter disregard” for Muslim sentiments. He noted that this was the second consecutive year the government had not adjusted the holiday and vowed to raise the issue in his Friday sermon at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is one of the most revered occasions in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing tens of thousands to Hazratbal shrine for special prayers and processions. Traditionally, successive state governments adjusted the holiday in line with moon sightings, a practice many say reflects both accuracy and respect for local religious traditions.
The current stand by the administration, however, has turned the occasion into a political flashpoint, with opposition leaders and clerics accusing the GoI-appointed dispensation of being insensitive to the region’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
