Special Milad prayers offered

Devotees throng Hazratbal shrine; clerics throw light on Prophet’s life

Srinagar: The Friday following Eid-e-Milad was observed with traditional fervour in the Kashmir valley today.A large number of devotees thronged the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake throughout the course of the day for prayers and supplications. The maximum rush of devotees was witnessed in the afternoon when they converged at the shrine to offer Friday prayers and to catch a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad.Even as Eid-e-Milad celebrations are being held across the Valley, the Hazratbal shrine has remained the main centre for holding religious functions related to the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.The day is observed on the first Friday falling after Eid-e-Milad. The Milad celebrations begin from the first day of the Rabiul-Awwal month of the Islamic calendar.

In pictures, Friday following Milad

Several shrines and marketplaces remain covered with colourful lights during Milad days.The authorities had put in place adequate arrangements to cater to the huge rush of devotees at Hazratbal.Friday following Eid-e-Milad was observed at several other mosques and shrines of the Valley. Religious heads threw light on the life and teachings of Prophet Mohammad in the Friday sermons on the occasion.Milad celebrations in Kashmir had begun in the 18th century after the holy relic arrived here. Bagh-i-Sadiqabad, where the holy relic was placed, came to be known as Hazratbal i.e. the Abode of the Prophet. (TNS)