Despite the present unrest going on in the entire Kashmir Valley, people in state's Doda town are trying to find a reason to smile and celebrate and what better timing could have been there with the arrival of Eid al-Adha, giving them the opportunity to escape from the violence and strife and experience some peace.
Eid-ul-Adha, one of the holiest Muslim festivals, is otherwise going to be a highly subdued event in Kashmir this year because of the prevailing unrest that has been there ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.
One of the shoppers, Kiran Bala, told ANI that she rejoices this festival and loves to shop along with her Muslim friends.
"We always support Muslims in every circumstance. There is a sale going on in Town Hall area where you can get everything you require, be it clothes, bangles, groceries, cosmetics, etc. All the Hindus of this area are actively participating in this sale. We are very happy and are anxiously waiting for Eid and we want to celebrate it with our Muslim brothers and sisters with much joy and enthusiasm," Kiran said.
"When Diwali comes, our Muslim friends come to our homes and celebrate the festival along with us," she adds.
One of the Muslim vendors said that there is a great hustle bustle in the area because of the Eid festival.
"We are extremely happy that people from all walks of life and all religions are participating and are celebrating with us," he said.
The whole area in the town was seen crowded with people who were busy in buying new clothes, utensils, sweets, etc. Especially, there was a unique excitement that was visible in the eyes of the children who accompanied their parents.
Bakery outlets were seen crowded with people who were busy buying their choice of cookies, cakes and biscuits.
However, the situation is not the same in the other parts of the valley. The only visible sign of Kashmiris preparing for the festival that falls on Tuesday is the buying of sacrificial animals at some places in summer capital Srinagar and other parts of the Valley.
Separatists have appealed to locals to celebrate Eid with austerity as a mark of respect for the victims of the ongoing Valley unrest.
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