Nearly 2 lakh Join prayers on Friday following Eid-e-Milad (SAW)

Srinagar: As balmy weather prevailed throughout the day, tens of thousands of devotees from across the Kashmir valley thronged Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)—the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

As per a rough estimate, around two lakh devotees, comprising men, women and children converged at the shrine—housing the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—on the outskirts of this summer capital throughout the day that marked the end of this year’s Milad celebrations.

City correspondent a said thousands of vehicles carrying devotees from all over Kashmir were seen heading towards the shrine also known as Dargah Sharif and Asar-e-Sherief, all through the day to have a glimpse of the holy relics of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), displayed five times after every prayer today.

As the relics were displayed, most of people were seen folding their hands while some had tears trickling down their faces as they prayed to have their wishes fulfilled on the occasion.

People also offered ‘Durud’ (praises of the Prophet) and recited Holy Quran at the shrine for atonement of their sins.

Meanwhile, traffic cops remained on their toes throughout the day to man traffic to the shrine that poured virtually from all parts of the valley.

Thousands of vehicles including State Road Transport Corporation fleet ferried the devotees to and from Hazratbal while the authorities had enforced one-way traffic system to ensure smooth movement. From Lal Chowk, all buses were allowed to ply to Hazratbal via Hawal and Lal Bazar routes while those coming from Hazratbal to the city plied via Rainawari.

Authorities also had made elaborate arrangements on the occasion including erection of tents for medical aid at several places along the streets for the devotees.

Besides Hazratbal, congregational prayers were also held at Asarisharif Kalashpora, Jenab Sahib Soura, Lal Bazar, Punjura Shopian, Khiram Sirhama Anantnag (Islamabad), Seer Hamdan Kaba Marg Qaimoh Ahmshrief Bandipora and Hazrat Janbaz Wali (RA) Baramulla.

Meanwhile, two persons suffered minor injuries at when an iron gate they were passing through broke down soon after the Friday prayers. The injured, Ghulam Ahmad Kambay of Wanihama, Alasteng and Ali Mohammad Sheikh of Saloora, Ganderbal, were shifted to Bone and joint hospital, Barzulla here, a police official said.