Moon not sighted, Islamic New Year to begin on Thursday: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam

Urges Muslims of J&K to remember the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), follow his teachings, remain steadfast, refrain from immodest activities in Muharram

Srinagar, July 18 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Tuesday said that the moon for Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of Islamic calendar, was not sighted anywhere and that Thursday would be the first day of new Islamic Year – 1445 AH.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Grand Mufti said that no witnesses could be made available on record regarding the sighting of the moon from any part of Kashmir or Jammu divisions.

“The Islamic New Year will now start from Thursday, July 20, and the Ashura will be observed on July 29th,” he said.

In his message Muslims of J&K, Grand Mufti urged Muslims to observe the ensuing Ashura with austerity and asked them to pray for the overall well-being of the Ummah, especially of the youth.

“People should refrain from indulging in immodest activities in the month of Muharram,” he said. “The Ashura has a fundamental message that we should not bow before falsehood and instead remain steadfast on what our religion teaches us.” The Grand Mufti said Muhrram teaches us to remain steadfast on the path of Islam and follow into the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), who was martyred along with 70 of his family members in the battle of Karbala some 1400 years ago—(KNO)

Maximum Temperatures Recorded Today in Kashmir

Srinagar = 33.1°C
Shopian= 33.4°C
Baramulla= 31.8°C
Bandipora : 32.6°C
Budgam; 32.6°C
Kupwara: 32.6°C
Kulgam= 30.3°C
Qazigund : 31.8°C
Pahalgam: 27.8°C
Pulwama : 31.5°C
Anantnag : 31.7°C
Amarnath Holy Cave : 22.9°C
Panchtarni: 22.4°C
Sangam : 20.4°C

Compiled by: Kashmir Weather Forecast

Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam to get Cinema halls in September: LG Manoj Sinha

‘Cinemas coming up in all towns across Kashmir; Art flourishing, Youth enjoying music on Jehlum river banks’

Rehaan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, July 18 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday said that art is flourishing in Kashmir and that Cinemas are coming up in every city and town while Ganderbal, Bandipora and Kulgam districts will get Cinema halls in September this year.

“Artists suffered a lot during Covid pandemic. Now I am happy to see the artists coming from other parts of the country to Kashmir to showcase their art and to learn new art as well,” said LG while addressing a Amrit Yuva Kalotsav at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). The LG said that earlier, Pulwama and Shopian districts got Cinema halls after which Baramulla and Handwara saw inauguration of Cinema halls recently.

“In September this year, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Kulgam districts will get Cinema halls too,” he said. Pertinently, in Srinagar a Cinema is already functional.

The LG said that peace was imperative for development and promotion of art. “Nothing can happen without peace. Today, one can see youth enjoying ice-cream at the Jehlum river front and at the same time enjoying playing and listening to music. Art knows no boundaries and can soothe the nerves,” he said. “I am happy to see art flourishing on all fronts in Kashmir.”—(KNO)

First batch of 630 Hajj pilgrims to arrive in 2 flights at Srinagar airport today

Raja Syed Rather

Srinagar, July 18 (KNO): As the Hajj pilgrimage concluded, first batch of 630 pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said here.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) 630 pilgrims will arrive in two flights at the Srinagar international airport today after performing the Hajj.

He said that return of all Hajj pilgrims flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will take place from July 18th to August 2.

He said that today two flights will operate first flight with first one at 08:15 am and the second at 12:15pm, carrying 630 pilgrims.

Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee, Shujaat Ahmed Qureshi told KNO that the authorities have already made arrangements regarding various issues relating to the arrival of Hajj flights.

This year around 12,067 pilgrims including 6,698 men and 5,369 women had left for the holy pilgrimage. Additionally, 111 women without Mahram also performed the Hajj this year—(KNO)