Thousands offer prayers at Hazratbal

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 14: Thousands of devotees today thronged Hazratbal shrine, housing the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on city outskirts, on the occasion of Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)-the birth anniversary of Prophet (SAW) to offer special prayers.
Devotees from all parts of Kashmir thronged the shrine to offer the congregational prayers in the day and waited to have the glimpse of Holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Despite the sweltering heat, the rush of the devotees continued throughout the day with nearly 20, 000 people offering congregational Friday prayers in the afternoon.
At the time of displaying the holy relic, people burst into tears, and special salutations were observed for peace and prosperity of the people.
The devotees were offering special prayers throughout the night and had glimpse of the Holy relic in the morning.
On the occasion special traffic service was plying on the roads leading to the shrine. From Lal Chowk buses were allowed to Hazratbal through Nalamar, Hawal, and Lal Bazaar routes, while those coming back from Hazratbal to the Lal Chowk were allowed from Sadaikadal and Rainawari route.
Various departments as well as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) had made arrangements for the devotees. Some of the organizations had erected stalls where juice and beverages were offered to the devotees during the course of the day.