Srinagar, Aug 26 (KNO): Thousands of devotees gathered at the revered Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar on Wednesday to observe Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), with the shrine witnessing night-long prayers, Durood-o-Azkar and Naats, followed by the display of the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
From Tuesday evening, men, women, children and elderly devotees began arriving at Hazratbal from different parts of Kashmir, many carrying prayer mats and making their way towards the shrine as the night-long Shab Khwaani got underway.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the gathering was not merely an annual religious observance but an emotional return to a place that has remained at the centre of Kashmir’s spiritual life for generations.
Inside and around the shrine, devotees raised their hands in prayer, seeking forgiveness, peace and blessings, while religious scholars and preachers spoke about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Following the morning prayers, the Holy Relic—Moi-e-Muqaddas, revered by devotees as a relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was displayed before the faithful.
The moment left many devotees emotional as they prayed and tried to catch a glimpse of the sacred relic, drawing more people towards the shrine.
For Mohammad Yaseen, a devotee who attended the prayers, the occasion carried a message extending beyond the shrine. “His message of peace has been to us, and in this way we have been taught that we too need this peace in the entire world,” Yaseen said.
The gathering at Hazratbal also carried a message of compassion, humanity and brotherhood, with devotees saying that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) remain relevant in a world witnessing conflict and uncertainty.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah also offered Zuhr prayers at Dargah Hazratbal on the occasion. “People come with love in their hearts and prayers on their lips,” said Mohammad Sultan Bhat, a devotee, describing what Hazratbal means to him on the occasion.
Holy Relic remains centre of devotion
The display of the Holy Relic remains one of the most significant moments of Eid-e-Milad celebrations at Hazratbal, drawing devotees from across Kashmir.
The shrine, which houses the sacred relic, traditionally witnesses one of the Valley’s largest religious gatherings on the occasion. Similar Milad gatherings were held at major shrines and mosques across Jammu and Kashmir, where religious scholars delivered sermons on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board and district administration had made elaborate arrangements at Hazratbal, including facilities for drinking water, sanitation, lighting, transport, healthcare and crowd management.
Security arrangements were also strengthened around major religious places, particularly Hazratbal, with police maintaining heightened vigilance in view of the large gatherings.
Traffic plan in place
With thousands of devotees travelling towards Hazratbal, Traffic Police City Srinagar implemented 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.
Vehicles arriving from north Kashmir after Shalteng were 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 were routed 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.
Devotees travelling from Budgam and adjoining areas were advised to take 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 towards the Saderbal-side University parking.
Those travelling from Lal Chowk were 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 used the Nagbal-Zakoora-Habbak route to reach the Naseembagh parking area.
Separate return routes were also prescribed to minimise congestion after the congregational prayers.
Vehicles from north and central Kashmir were parked inside the University campus through the Sir Syed Gate on the Saderbal side, while vehicles from south Kashmir, including Ganderbal, used the Naseembagh-side University parking through Budshah Gate.
Those coming from Rainawari and Khanyar towards Hazratbal could use the NIT Parking/Multi-Level Parking at Hazratbal, while a separate traffic camp was earmarked for VIP and official vehicles—(KNO)