Srinagar, Aug 25: Thousands of devotees gathered at Hazratbal on Tuesday evening ahead of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), filling the shrine and adjoining areas with spiritual fervour.
Families carrying prayer mats, elderly devotees and young men and women made their way towards the shrine, adding to the growing crowds where special prayers, durood-o-azkar, naats and religious gatherings continued through the night.
For people across Kashmir, the intervening night of August 25 and 26 is more than a date on the calendar; it is a night of remembrance and devotion.
The scene is familiar to generations of Kashmiris: roads filled with devotees, mosques glowing with lights, families arriving from far-off areas and people walking towards Hazratbal as the night deepens.
Mohammad Salam Dar, a devotee in his 70s, said that it was difficult to explain what Hazratbal means to him on this night. “People come with love in their hearts and prayers on their lips,” he said.
Abdul Jabbar, another devoteee, said the gathering reminded people of the values associated with the Prophet’s life. “We come here not only to pray, but to remember his teachings of mercy, patience, compassion and brotherhood,” he said.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere around Hazratbal changed visibly. The hum of vehicles mixed with the sound of prayers as groups of devotees moved towards the shrine, while volunteers and officials worked to manage the crowds.
Inside and around the shrine, the recitation of durood and naats added to the distinct spiritual atmosphere. The night-long Shab Khwaani is underway, with devotees expected to continue prayers and religious observances through the night.
On Wednesday, people across Jammu and Kashmir will observe Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), with prayers, religious discourses, recitation of the Quran, durood and naats being held at mosques and shrines.
Religious scholars and clerics are expected to speak about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his message of compassion, mercy, patience and brotherhood.
With a massive movement of devotees expected, the Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued a detailed traffic advisory for the intervening night of August 25 and 26 and the Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi on August 28.
According to the advisory, vehicles coming from north Kashmir after reaching Shalteng will be routed through Parimpora, Qamarwari Cement Bridge, Noorbagh, Sekidafar, Eidgah, Alimasjid, Sazgaripora, Hawal, Alamgari Bazar, Mill Stop, Molvi Stop, Botshah Mohallah and Kanitar before reaching the University parking area through the Saderbal side.
Vehicles from south Kashmir reaching Panthachowk will proceed through Stone Quarry, Batwara, Sonwar Bazar, Ram Munshi Bagh, Gupkar, Grand Palace, Zethiyar Ghat, Nishat, Foreshore Road and Habbak Crossing before entering the Naseembagh-side University parking area.
Devotees travelling from Budgam and adjoining areas will use the Hyderpora-Tengpora-Bemina Bypass-Bemina Crossing-Qamarwari route and thereafter proceed through Noorbagh, Sekidafar, Eidgah, Alimasjid, Sazgaripora, Hawal, Alamgari Bazar, Mill Stop, Molvi Stop, Botshah Mohallah and Kanitar to the Saderbal-side University parking.
Those travelling from Lal Chowk will be routed through SRTC Crossing, Ikhwan Chowk, Bhori Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Gojwari Chowk, Hawal, Alamgari Bazar, Mill Stop, Molvi Stop, Khanyar Chowk, Botshah Mohallah and Kanitar.
Vehicles from Ganderbal will use the Nagbal-Zakoora-Habbak route to reach the Naseembagh parking area.
Traffic Police has also prescribed separate return routes to prevent congestion after the congregations.
Parking arrangements
Vehicles from north and central Kashmir will be parked inside the University campus through the Sir Syed Gate on the Saderbal side, while vehicles from south Kashmir, including Ganderbal, will use the Naseembagh-side University parking through Budshah Gate.
Those coming from Rainawari and Khanyar towards Hazratbal can use the NIT Parking/Multi-Level Parking at Hazratbal. A separate traffic camp at Hazratbal has been earmarked for VIP and official vehicles. (KNO)
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