Thousands Of Devotees Visit Revered Shrine On Friday Following Eid-e-Milad
Srinagar: Tens of thousands of devotees from across the Kashmir Valley converged at the revered Hazratbal shrine here on Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the day when Prophet (SAW) was born.
The number swelled as the day progressed and a sea of devotees was seen at the shrine and its adjacent sprawling lawns along the banks of Dal Lake especially during Zuhr prayers.
Most people were seen folding their hands while some had tears trickling down their faces as they prayed. People also offered ‘Durud’ and recited the Holy Qur’an.
Besides Hazratbal, congregational prayers were also held at Asarisharif Kalashpora, Jenab Sahib Soura, Lal Bazaar, Punjura Shopian, Khiram Sirhama Anantnag, Seer Hamadan, Kaba Marg, Qaimoh, Ahamshrief Bandipora and Hazrat Janbaz Wali (RA) Baramulla. Nightlong prayers were held across the Valley where imams threw light on the pious life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
A festive look prevailed for the past several days as various mosques and shrines in this summer capital of the state and other major towns were decked with lights and buntings.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father, Farooq Abdullah, joined the Friday congregation at Hazratbal. “Chief Minister paid obeisance and offered prayers at Dargah Hazratbal on the occasion of Friday following Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), praying for peace, harmony and prosperity in J&K,” Office of Chief Minister said on X.
Speaking to reporters after the prayers, Farooq Abdullah said he prayed for communal harmony. “May the friendship between Hindus and Muslims remain strong in the country,” he remarked. At the same time, Abdullah expressed concern about the plight of Muslims, lamenting that “Muslims are being beaten up everywhere as we have distanced ourselves from Allah.”
He added, “Until we return to Allah and give up dishonesty and theft, Allah will not forgive us.”
The administration had put in place heightened security arrangements around the shrine, especially in the backdrop of last Friday’s incident when the national emblem at Hazratbal was allegedly vandalised by devotees claiming hurt sentiments.
The act had sparked a political storm across Kashmir, prompting police to register a case and question several people.
The area outside the Hazratbal shrine witnessed a lot of hustle bustle as a whole lot of stalls selling local delicacies and other goods were placed there. Stalls set up by various government departments added to the fair-like atmosphere, catering to the needs of the devotees.