Srinagar: Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was observed with deep religious reverence across Kashmir on Saturday.
The largest congregation on the occasion was held at Dargah Hazratbal on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Thousands of devotees from the length and breadth of the valley flocked to the revered shrine to catch a glimpse of Moi-e-Muqaddas.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is observed on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal every year, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar, to commemorate the Prophet’s (SAW) birth anniversary.
Mosques across Kashmir reverberated with accolades to Allah and his beloved Prophet (SAW) during the nightlong prayers. Special nightlong prayers and supplications (Shab-Khwani) was held at Hazratbal and other shrines, including Jenab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Shareef Shahr-e-Kalashpora, Khanqah-e-Maula, Ziarat Peer Dastgeer Sahab (RA) at Khanyar and Sarai Payeen, Shrine of Syed Yaqoob Sahab (RA) Sonwar, Khawaja Naqshband Sahab (RA) and Ziarat Makhdoom Sahib (RA), drawing thousands of pilgrims from across the valley.
A large number of men, women, and children attended these nightlong prayers at the revered shrine, while many more joined them for the (Fajr) early morning prayers on Saturday.
An ocean of devotees was witnessed at the shrine and its surrounding lawns as the day went on, particularly during Zuhr and Asr prayers.
The holy relic—which is commonly believed to be the hair strand of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—was displayed to believers shortly after the Fajar (pre-dawn) prayers, amid loud recitation of Durood-o-Azkar, an invocation Muslims make by reciting specific Arabic phrases to praise the last Messenger of Allah.
The holy relic was on display following each prayer while preachers shed light on the Prophet’s (SAW) life and teachings.
Several large and small Milad processions were taken out in the uptown and old city area of Srinagar, on the occasion.
Reports of congregational gatherings were also received from north and south Kashmir, including Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag districts.
The district administration had made elaborate arrangements for the devotees at Hazratbal, while medical camps had been established around the shrine on the occasion. The traffic police department had issued a route plan for the smooth traffic movement.
Colourful buntings adorned the roads and streets leading to the shrine, while marketplaces around the shrine were decked up in a festive look on the occasion.
