Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The sacred night of Shab-e-Qadr was observed with profound religious fervour across Kashmir as thousands of devotees thronged mosques and shrines to offer night-long prayers, recitations and supplications.
The revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake witnessed the largest gathering, with devotees assembling in large numbers throughout the night to offer special prayers, recite the Holy Quran and engage in Durood, Azkaar and Naat-Khwani.
After several days of incessant rainfall, weather conditions improved slightly on Monday, allowing devotees from different parts of the Valley to travel to major shrines. Although cloudy skies returned in the evening, the turnout remained significant, reflecting the deep spiritual importance of the occasion.
Observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, Shab-e-Qadr holds immense significance in Islam as it marks the night when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Devotees believe that prayers offered on this night carry immense spiritual rewards.
Mosques and shrines across Srinagar and other districts resonated with Taraweeh prayers, Quranic recitations and supplications as worshippers remained engaged in ibadat till the early hours of Tuesday. Religious scholars delivered sermons highlighting the significance of the night and emphasised the importance of charity, including Zakat and Zakat-ul-Fitr.
Authorities had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of congregations. Under the supervision of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, various departments including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Police, Power Development Department and transport agencies ensured essential services and amenities for devotees.
Traffic Police implemented special route plans and parking arrangements, particularly in the Hazratbal area, to manage the heavy rush of vehicles amid the ongoing Eid shopping season.
Meanwhile, markets around major shrines and mosques witnessed brisk business, with vendors setting up temporary stalls selling food items, garments and other essentials. Traders reported increased activity as devotees combined prayers with Eid shopping.
Officials said the coordinated efforts of various departments ensured that the night-long congregations passed off peacefully across the Valley.
Large gatherings were also reported at several prominent religious places, including Khanqah-e-Maula, Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, and major mosques in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian districts, where devotees participated in prayers with devotion and reverence.
