Srinagar, Mar 13: Thousands of devotees converged at the Dargah Hazratbal Shrine on Friday for Juma-tul-Vida – the last Friday of Ramadan – as the Valley witnessed its largest congregational prayers of the holy month, marked by the display of the sacred relic believed to be a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Emotional scenes unfolded at the shrine as women, the elderly and children stood with raised hands and tearful eyes, praying for peace, forgiveness and mercy after the relic was unveiled. The gathering at Hazratbal was the biggest of the day, drawing worshippers from across North, South and Central Kashmir.
Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam had on Thursday declared March 13 as Juma-tul-Vida, as the following Friday may coincide with Eid-ul-Fitr. The government subsequently revised its earlier order, shifting the public holiday for Juma-tul-Vida from March 20 to March 13.
The sacred relic at Hazratbal is displayed on special occasions, including Shab-e-Meraj and Juma-tul-Vida.
Shrines under the jurisdiction of the Waqf Board also witnessed massive participation across the Valley, including Dastgeer Sahab Shrine Khanyar, Makhdoom Sahab Shrine, Jenab Sahab Soura and Syed Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar in Srinagar; Asar-e-Shareef Kaba Marg and Zain-ud-din Wali Ashmuqam in Anantnag; Baba Payam-ud-din Baba Reshi in Baramulla; Aham Sharief in Bandipora; Noor-ud-din Noorani Shrine Charar-e-Sharif, Syed Ali Barkhi Pakharpora in Budgam; Newa Pulwama, Syed Mahad Baba Reshi Pulwama and Ziyarat-e-Aalia Qaimoh in Kulgam. Markazi Jamai Masjid Jadeed Handwara and Markazi Jamia Masjid Shareef Gund Sonamarg also witnessed large gatherings.
Authorities made elaborate arrangements to manage the influx of devotees, with security personnel deployed to regulate the movement of worshippers. Traffic authorities designated specific routes for vehicles arriving from different districts to prevent congestion and ensure orderly movement.
However, congregational prayers on Friday were not permitted at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Juma-tul-Vida.
