Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Thousands of devotees converged at the historic Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar for night-long prayers and religious observances on the eve of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), turning the revered shrine into a centre of faith, reflection and spiritual devotion.
Men, women, children, youth and elderly devotees began arriving at the shrine from different parts of the Kashmir Valley late in the evening. Many devotees continued to arrive throughout the night, joining the congregational prayers and special religious programmes organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The occasion brought together people from diverse backgrounds in a collective expression of faith, with devotees offering prayers for peace, prosperity, forgiveness and the well-being of their families and the wider community.
As the night progressed, the Hazratbal premises reverberated with Darood-o-Azkar, Quranic recitations, Naat Khwani and supplications.
Devotees spent the night in prayer and remembrance, creating an atmosphere marked by solemnity and spiritual reflection. Religious scholars and reciters also delivered messages highlighting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his emphasis on compassion, peace, brotherhood, justice and kindness.
For many devotees, the night-long observance represented an opportunity to renew their commitment to the values associated with the Prophet’s life and teachings.
A major spiritual moment came after the pre-dawn Fajr prayers, when the Moi-e-Muqaddas, the sacred relic associated with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was displayed before the assembled devotees.
The display drew intense religious devotion, with worshippers offering special prayers and seeking blessings. Devotees gathered in large numbers for a glimpse of the sacred relic, maintaining a deeply reverential atmosphere inside and around the shrine.
The Hazratbal Shrine, located on the northern bank of Dal Lake, holds a special place in the religious and cultural life of Kashmir. The display of the sacred relic on important Islamic occasions traditionally draws large congregations from across the Valley.
Given the expected turnout, the administration and the J&K Waqf Board put in place arrangements to facilitate the movement and comfort of devotees.
Measures included arrangements for lighting, sanitation, drinking water, transportation and medical assistance. Authorities also worked to ensure that the large gathering could take place smoothly and safely.
The arrangements were particularly important as devotees continued to arrive throughout the night and early morning hours for prayers and the display of the sacred relic.
The gathering at Hazratbal was not merely a religious observance but also reflected the strong communal and cultural significance attached to Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in Jammu and Kashmir.
Families travelled together to the shrine, while groups of devotees from different districts joined the prayers. The gathering provided an opportunity for people to come together in an atmosphere of devotion and collective remembrance.
The prayers also carried a strong message of peace and harmony, with devotees seeking divine blessings for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for lasting peace in the region.
The spiritual observance was not confined to Hazratbal. Night-long prayers and Milad gatherings were held at several prominent shrines, mosques and religious centres across Jammu and Kashmir.
Special religious programmes, Quran recitations, Naatiya gatherings and prayers were organised in various areas, with worshippers participating in large numbers.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) is observed annually on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal by Muslims to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The occasion is traditionally marked by prayers, religious gatherings, recitations and reflection on the Prophet’s life and teachings.
In Kashmir, the observance has acquired a distinctive spiritual character, particularly at Hazratbal, where the presence of the sacred relic adds profound religious significance to the occasion.
As the dawn broke over Srinagar, the thousands gathered at Hazratbal carried with them prayers for peace, compassion, forgiveness and prosperity, bringing to a close a night dedicated to faith, remembrance and devotion.
