Jammu and Kashmir Kashmir's Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Friday said the Zil Hajj moon has been sighted and Eid-ul-Adha shall be celebrated on June 17.

The Grand Mufti announced that the crescent for the month of Zil Hajj was sighted today and accordingly the month of Zil Hajj will begin from June 8 (Saturday).

“Eid will be celebrated on June 17,” he said.

Eid-ul- Adha falls on the 10th day of Zil Hajj, which also marks the Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid-ul- Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of two Eid festivals celebrated by the Muslim faithful to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim (AS’s) willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. Traditionally marked by the slaughter of animals, whose meat is shared with family members and the poor.

With Eid-ul- Adha just around the corner, cattle markets have been set up in different areas for people to purchase cows, goats and sheep for sacrifice.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries marked the beginning of lunar month, which is the last month in Muslim calendar yesterday.

The Eid-ul- Adha in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries would be celebrated on June 16. The rituals of Hajj will commence on June 14 with the Day of Arafat on June 15.