Like other parts of the country, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with zeal, gaiety, and religious fervour across the Chenab Valley on Saturday, as clear skies and bright sunshine followed a week of inclement weather. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of thanksgiving, is celebrated after the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. Following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, the festival was observed across the nation, including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In Bhaderwah, people began assembling early in the morning at the premises of Markazi Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah. From there, they marched in a large procession towards the historic Eidgah, chanting religious slogans. Besides the Eidgah, Eid prayers were also offered at Jamia Masjid Gatha, Udrana, and other locations. At the conclusion of the prayers, Imam Azeem Mir led special supplications, praying for peace, prosperity, brotherhood, and communal harmony in the Union Territory and across the country. Following the prayers, hundreds gathered to pay obeisance to the Islamic flag in the traditional ritual known as 'Jhande Ki Salaami.' Renowned artist Aqib Najar rendered the famous Islamic poetry of Dewan Bhadarwahi. This unique tradition, observed for over five decades, has now spread across the Chenab Valley and other parts of the Jammu region. On the occasion, ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutiyal, SP Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma, SDPO Bhaderwah Naveed Shoket Qazi, Tehsildar Kamalpreet Singh, SHO Suresh Gautam, Inspector Irshad Ahmed, Naib Tehsildar Parampreet Singh, and President Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah Riaz Ahmed Najar extended Eid greetings to the people. Meanwhile, at Jamai Masjid Gatha, a large number of devotees, including youth, elders, and children, participated in the congregational prayers and prayed for prosperity and harmony in the region and the Union Territory. People in Doda and adjoining areas also assembled at their respective Eidgahs to offer prayers. Former Vice-Chairperson DDC Doda Sangeeta Bhagat extended her greetings on the occasion. Security was heightened across Bhaderwah, Doda, Thathri, and Gandoh areas to maintain law and order. Officials stated that the celebrations passed off peacefully. 'The event concluded smoothly across all areas, and we extend our greetings to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr,' said ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutiyal, while greeting people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. Riaz Ahmed Najar, President Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah, said that after the weather improved, the Eidgah was prepared for prayers, witnessing a massive turnout. He added that special prayers were held for peace, prosperity, development, and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and the country. Locals appreciated the administration, police, and other departments for making comprehensive arrangements. Meanwhile, a procession was also taken out by youth in solidarity with Iran. Eid prayers were also offered by large gatherings in Banihal, Ramban, Gool, Sangaldan, Batote, Kishtwar, Thathri, Gandoh, and other parts of the Chenab Valley.