SRINAGAR, Sept 12: The Friday following Eid-e-Milad marking the culmination of a weeklong festival celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad was observed across Kashmir with religious fervour and devotion.
The Hazratbal shrine, nestled on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, witnessed the largest congregation as tens of thousands of worshippers thronged the revered shrine. The atmosphere turned emotional when the holy relic of the Prophet was displayed, a centuries old tradition that continues to draw the faithful from every corner of the Valley.
J&K 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.
