Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 20: The first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan witnessed thousands of devotees flocking to mosques, shrines and khanqahas across Kashmir, expressing deep spiritual devotion and communal solidarity.
From the bustling streets of Srinagar to smaller towns in districts such as Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara, believers offered Jumma prayers, sought divine blessings and prayed for peace and harmony in the Valley.
According to reports, in Srinagar, the Hazratbal Shrine attracted a massive congregation.
Devotees filled prayer halls and open courtyards, with many standing in streets and walkways around the shrine. The air was filled with the recitation of ‘Takbir and Durood-e-Ibrahim,’ as people offered prayers for forgiveness, wellbeing and harmony.
National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, who was among those present at Hazratbal, spoke after the prayers: “May this Ramadan bring blessings, remove hatred that exists in our homeland and fill it with peace and harmony.”
He urged the people of Kashmir to embrace unity, tolerance and compassion, stressing that Ramadan is not only a time for individual reflection but also for strengthening community bonds.
Meanwhile, historic spiritual centres such as Khanqah-e-Moula and Jamia Masjid also witnessed large congregations.
At Khanqah-e-Moula, devotees stood shoulder to shoulder, listening to sermons stressing the importance of charity, patience and reconciliation.
A worshipper said, “Ramadhan reminds us that faith grows stronger when shared with others, and it teaches us kindness and generosity.”
At Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz-led congregations drew thousands who offered prayers while listening to guidance from religious leaders.
Beyond Srinagar, districts across Kashmir observed similar devotion. In Budgam, mosques were packed as worshippers offered early morning prayers and community Iftar arrangements were organised for local residents.
In Baramulla, volunteers distributed dates, water and refreshments to fasting pedestrians, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity. Similar scenes were reported in Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara, where people gathered in large numbers for prayers, maintaining social harmony and spiritual focus.
Authorities also coordinated crowd management, health support and sanitation arrangements at key religious sites to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the prayers.
