Eid-e-Milad celebrated with religious fervour

Srinagar, Sep 17:Masjids and shrines across Kashmir reverberated with religious gatherings as thousands of devotees observed Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

On Tuesday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake.

Many devotees spent the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday in Masjids and shrines to observe the Shab (night) of Milad.

The day is celebrated on the 12th of the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awal, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Scores of people participated in the Milad procession in Srinagar and other districts of south and north Kashmir.

People were seen holding religious flags and raising slogans of praise for Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The largest congregation of Eid-e-Milad-in-Nabi (SAW) was held at Dargah Hazratbal, where thousands of devotees assembled to have a glimpse of the holy relic throughout the day.

People from across various districts of Kashmir started to arrive from Monday evening to observe the day.

“We came in our vehicles along with the family from south Kashmir. This is the most important day when Allah gave us the biggest blessing through the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We hope that this day is not confined to celebrations only and that people follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” Altaf Ahmad, a devotee, said.

The markets across Hazratbal and other religious places were decorated with lights and devotees were seen purchasing goods.

Many vendors had set up their stalls across Hazratbal market which witnessed a huge buzz on the day.

“This is another blessing of the day that we earn our livelihood amid the rush of devotees. Be it local or non-local vendors, everyone puts up their stall here and earns their livelihood. There was a good rush of people, and scores of them made purchases on Monday and Tuesday. We are always looking forward to religious events as these become a way for us to earn our livelihood,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a vendor at Hazratbal.

Officials said that all departments including J&K Police, PDD, SRTC, SMC, and Health Department, have made requisite arrangements given the event.

SSP Traffic Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that they had collaborated with NGOs and many volunteers worked in collaboration for the ease of devotees.

“As expected, there was a huge rush of devotees, and we were prepared for it. Our men and machinery have been working since Monday to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. There are also designated parking zones that are accessible to commuters on their route,” Shah said.

SMC officials said that special sanitation drives were also carried out to ensure the convenience of devotees.