Srinagar, Dec 1: “Eid-e-Milad”, the observance of birthday of Islamic Prophet Muhammad, was
celebrated on Friday with religious fervor and gaiety in the Kashmir valley and
Ladakh region.
Governor N N Vohra, Chief Miniser Mehboba Mufti, president
and working president of National Conference (NC) Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar
Abdullah, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief G A Mir, religious and
separatist leaders have greeted people on the occasion. Director General of
Police (DGP) Dr S P Vaid and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Munir
Ahmad Khan too have hoped that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger
of peace, prosperity and progress and further strengthen social harmony in the
state.
Braving chilly weather lakhs of people, including women and
children, joined the night-long in mosques, shrines, Khankhas and other religious
places in the Kashmir valley.
The main congregation was organised at Hazratbal shrine,
which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet, on the bank of Dal Lake. Despite
coldest night at minus 2.9 degree, thousands of people, who had come from
different parts of the valley and outside, joined night-long prayers at
Hazratbal shrine. Immediately after "Fajr" (morning prayers) devotees
had glimpse of Holy Relic of Prophet. The process will continue after every
prayers today and tomorrow.
The authorities had made all arrangements, including
transport, medical, power and water, for the devotees. The State Road Transport
Corporation (SRTC) also operated a good number of vehicles for devotees,
particularly from city to Hazratbal. The traffic police had announced traffic
plan for reaching Hazratbal from different parts of the valley to avoid any
traffic jam.
Large number of vendors, including those selling eatables,
had also set up their stalls near the shrine. A number of government
departments had also set up their camps for devotees.
Similar congregations were also organised at other religious
place, including Asar-e-Sharief Shehre Kalashpora, Soura and Kabai Marg.
In a message of greetings, the Governor observed that Islam
teaches one the values of brotherhood, simplicity, compassion and morality, all
of which need to be vigorously inculcated in today’s trouble torn world. The
Governor has prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people of the state.
Ms Mufti has greeted the people of the state on the auspicious
occasion.
In her message of felicitation, Ms Mehbooba prayed that the
auspicious occasion proves to be a harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and
prosperity in the state. “It’s an occasion to seek forgiveness from Almighty
Allah and blessings for the entire mankind”, she said.
The Chief Minister said in the present-day world, marred by
conflicts and discord, there is a dire need to practice firmly and promote the
teachings of holy Prophet of Mercy in which lies the solution to all problems
of mankind. Ms Mehbooba has prayed for the well-being and happiness of
the people of the state. UNI