FRIDAY FOLLOWING EID-E-MILAD: Devotees throng Masjids, shrines across Kashmir

Srinagar, Se 12: Under clear autumn skies after days of incessant rain, thousands of devotees across Kashmir on Friday thronged Masjids and shrines to observe the Friday following Eid-e-Milad.

The day, which holds special significance in the Islamic calendar, saw large gatherings and special prayers across Kashmir.

Eid-e-Milad, marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, and the Friday that follows has traditionally been reserved for large congregational prayers.

Officials said that the biggest congregation was witnessed at the Dargah Hazratbal shrine, where tens of thousands assembled to catch a glimpse of the Holy Relic.

The shrine reverberated with Naat Khawani and Darood-o-Azkaar throughout the day, with emotional scenes as clerics displayed the Moi-e-Muqqadas after the Friday prayers.

Worshippers raised hands in collective prayers, seeking forgiveness, safety, and well-being for their families and Kashmir.

This year’s prayers coincided with a major facelift of the Hazratbal shrine in decades.

The Waqf Board recently completed a comprehensive renovation, giving the shrine’s interiors a renewed and modernised look with enhanced lighting and cooling systems, and restored traditional artwork.

“Stepping inside felt like entering a new world which feels brighter, calmer, and spiritually uplifting,” said Nazir Bhat, a devotee from Srinagar downtown.

The congregation also came against the backdrop of weeks of heavy rainfall and a looming flood threat across Kashmir.

Devotees said they used the occasion to pray for good weather and protection from natural calamities.

“We have seen water rising in the Jhelum channels again. Today we pleaded for safety and mercy,” said Abdul Qayoom, a worshipper from Bemina.

They said that Friday’s sunshine after back-to-back rains was “a sign of hope and blessing.”

Senior officials and political leaders also visited Hazratbal on Friday to oversee arrangements and pay their respects.

A senior administration official said all departments, including J&K Police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Power Development Department, Road Transport Corporation, and Health, had been mobilised to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

“Special sanitation and crowd-management measures were taken so that no inconvenience is caused to any devotee,” the official said.

Locals said the markets and lanes around Hazratbal wore a festive look, with vendors decorating their stalls with lights and colourful banners.

“Such days are a blessing for us after months of dull business. People shop, eat, and celebrate, which brings life back to the market,” said Rameez Ahmad, a local vendor.

Large congregational prayers were also reported from Jenab Sahab Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shahri Kalashpora, Lal Bazaar, Khanqah-e-Moula, Dastgeer Sahab (RA), Syed Yaqoob Sahab (RA), Sonwar, Khawaja Naqshband Sahab (RA), and Makhdoom Sahab (RA), where devotees recited Naat and Darood-o-Azkaar in unison.