Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 17: Srinagar came alive on Tuesday with spiritual fervour as thousands of devotees converged at the Hazratbal shrine to witness the display of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).
The sacred day, marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet (PBUH), was observed with deep religious reverence. The prayers and processions were held and carried out respectively throughout Srinagar City and other parts of the valley.
The day, observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm worldwide, and Jammu and Kashmir was no exception.
The largest gathering in the region took place at the Hazratbal Shrine, where the holy relic of the Prophet (PBUH) was displayed to the faithful after all the five prayers.
Men, women, and children, some having travelled from distant parts of the Valley, gathered at the shrine in hope of catching a glimpse of the sacred relic.
As the head priest displayed the relic after the “Zuhar prayers,” an emotional wave swept through the crowd, with devotees were seen in tears, offering prayers for their families, their well-being, and for peace to prevail in Kashmir, while raising hands in air and asking blessings from Almighty.
For many, this annual visit has become an unshakeable tradition.
Manzoor Ahmad Dar, a man in his 80’s from Kupwara, reflected on his decades-long journey. “For over 50 years I have been visiting Dargah Hazratbal. In early times, when the shrine was not ready like this, my grandfather took me to the upper minaret of Hazrat, where from I watched the beautiful Dal Lake and took a glimpse of holy relic,” he said.
Mukhtar Ahmad, a devotee from Pulwama, echoed similar sentiments. “This shrine holds a special place in my heart. Every time I witness the relic, I feel an inner peace that words cannot describe. I came here last night, and along with me is my whole family,” said Ahmad.
While the largest congregation took place at Hazratbal, the spirit of Eid-e-Milad was palpable throughout the city. Various rallies were taken out in different parts of Srinagar, with one prominent procession starting from Lal Chowk, the heart of the city. The streets were filled with chants of devotion, with people marching to celebrate the Prophet’s birth. Roads were adorned with green flags; people were seen coming in cars and buses while green flags on their vehicles.
In the meanwhile, despite the religious zeal, some devotees expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s decision regarding the holiday. “The holiday should have been today,” said Gulzar, a young participant at Hazratbal.
Also, the Mufti Nasir ul Islam, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir and Chairman MPL Board, expressed his surprise over the government’s decision to declare a holiday for Rabi ul Awal on 16th September instead of 17th September.
In his statement, he clarified that the decision to observe 12th Rabi ul Awal on 17th September was based on the sighting of the crescent moon and not influenced by any political considerations.
In addition to the prayers, vendors around the Hazratbal Shrine have also set-up their stalls and people were seen visiting while such a stall was set up by scouts and guides camp of Sheikh-Ul-Aalam Model High School, Narwara, Srinagar who were seen disturbing refreshments among devotees.
It is important to mention, night-long prayers marked the beginning of Eid-e-Milad at the Hazratbal Shrine, where the relic was also displayed after Fajr prayers. Though the confusion surrounding the holiday impacted attendance, the devotion of those present never wavered, while administration have made arrangements for smoother traffic with diversion in place and dedicated parking slots to ease for devotees.
