Basit Zargar/Srinagar

Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine turned into a sea of emotions and reverence as Moi Muquadas, a relic belonging to Prophet Muhammad which is kept in a glass casket under heavy protection at the shrine,  was displayed from a first-floor window by the head priest on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.

It’s on rare occasions like this that the Holy relic – believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad – is displayed for ‘deedar’.

The devout during the viewing of Moi Muquadas at Hazratbal shrine

Muslims from all parts of the Kashmir Valley had started flocking to the shrine from Tuesday evening. Families with elderly people, women and children joined the congregation on Wednesday. The shrine and its adjoining areas wore a festive look with food stalls and illuminations.

The atmosphere at Hazratbal was filled with recitations of the Quran, Darood-o-Azkar and Naat Khwani, as worshippers prayed for peace, prosperity and blessings for their families and communities.

Women Devotees at Hazratbal Shrine

The night-long congregation, traditionally known as Shab Khwaani, drew a large gathering of people who travelled from distant parts of the Valley to observe the occasion at the shrine, which is located on the Banks of Dal Lake.

Following the pre-dawn prayers, the holy relic was displayed before the devotees. Worshippers offered prayers and sought blessings as they caught a glimpse of the sacred relic amid an atmosphere of deep religious devotion.

Hands up in prayers: devotees at Hazratbal Shrine, Srinagar

The gathering also highlighted Hazratbal's enduring importance as one of Kashmir's most significant religious and spiritual centres. The occasion brought together people from different age groups in a shared expression of faith and devotion.

Waqf Board and volunteers made arrangements for the large gathering, including sanitation, drinking water, transport and medical facilities, while traffic and security measures were put in place around the shrine for smooth movement.

Emotional scenes during the deedar of Moi Muquadas at Hazratbal Shrine, Srinagar

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi was also observed at mosques and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir, with religious scholars and clerics delivering sermons and highlighting the life, teachings and message of Prophet Muhammad, including compassion, mercy, patience and brotherhood.

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The celebrations at Hazratbal concluded amid prayers and religious fervour, with devotees returning home after spending the night in worship and remembrance.