As the crescent moon prepares to appear above Dal Lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal, Kashmir once again enters the familiar rhythm of Eid preparations. In Srinagar’s old city, families are busy stitching new pherans, kitchens fill with the aroma of sheer malai, and children wait eagerly for their eidi. The calls of prayer from Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid will soon carry the joy of Eid across the valley. Yet amid the festivity lies a reality we must confront: Eid cannot be complete if the orphans and widows of Kashmir remain forgotten.
For decades, the valley has borne the weight of conflict, tragedy and hardship. Thousands of children have grown up without fathers, and many women have been left to shoulder families alone. Natural calamities like the devastating floods of 2014, along with harsh winters and economic setbacks, have only intensified their struggles. In nearly every mohalla of Srinagar and in villages across Anantnag, Kupwara and Pulwama, there are homes where a mother quietly battles to provide for her children or where an orphan dreams not of toys but of basic necessities. These lives are not distant stories — they belong to our neighbours, our community.
Eid-ul-Fitr is rooted in the values of zakat and sadaqah, reminding believers that joy is meant to be shared. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that charity given with sincerity and kindness holds the greatest value. In Kashmir’s cultural tradition of sharing food and supporting neighbours during festivals, this spirit has long existed. But goodwill should not stop at symbolic gestures or brief charity drives.
Even small acts can transform lives. A widow in Batmaloo receiving essential groceries for the month, an orphan in Ganderbal receiving school supplies, or a struggling child in Tral being invited to an Eid meal — these gestures carry the true meaning of the festival. Organisations such as the J&K Yateem Trust, SOS Children’s Villages in Srinagar, and numerous local mosque committees are already working tirelessly, yet their efforts require the support of society at large. From the houseboats of Dal Lake to the apple orchards of Shopian, the saffron fields of Pampore and the walnut groves of Sopore, those with means must extend their hands to those in need.
Government initiatives also carry responsibility. Relief programmes announced around Eid must reach the most vulnerable families, especially widows and orphans living in remote districts such as Doda and Kishtwar. Transparent systems and direct financial support to verified institutions can ensure that aid reaches the people who need it most.
Eid should not be remembered only for festive meals or new clothes. Its true value lies in restoring dignity and hope to those who have endured loss. When a child who has lost a parent feels cared for, or when a widow senses that her community still stands beside her, the essence of Eid becomes real.
Kashmir has always survived difficult times through compassion and collective strength. If this Eid we ensure that no orphan feels alone and no widow feels abandoned, then the greeting “Eid Mubarak” will truly carry meaning.
