Srinagar, June 15 -- Srinagar- The month of Muharram-ul-Haram, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year, will commence in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday, June 17, Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi announced on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, the Grand Mufti said no authentic reports regarding the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon were received from any part of the Union Territory on Monday evening.

"In view of the non-sighting of the crescent moon, the first day of Muharram-ul-Haram will be observed on June 17, Wednesday," he said.

The Grand Mufti extended greetings to the Muslim community on the advent of the Islamic New Year and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmi...