Devotees throng Hazratbal on Meraj-ul-Alam

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 5

Devotees thronged the Hazratbal shrine from last night as Meraj-ul-Alam was observed with traditional fervour in the Valley today.

Meraj-ul-Alam is observed day after Shab-e-Meraj (Night of Ascent) in view of a belief that the Prophet ascended to the highest levels of heavens on this night of the Islamic calendar.

While devotees at several mosques and shrines remained engrossed in ‘Shab Khwani’ (nightlong prayers) to commemorate Shab-e-Meraj till the morning today, thousands of people paid obeisance at the Hazratbal throughout the course of the day.

Despite incessant rainfall, devotees from all over the Valley traditionally visited Hazratbal to catch a glimpse of the holy relic (hair strand of the Prophet).

The government had put in place a specific traffic plan to cater to the heavy rush of devotees to Hazratbal. The area around the Hazratbal shrine wore a festive look as many roadside vendors selling a whole lot of eatables and other items had set up their stalls there. ‘Friday following’ will be observed at the Hazratbal tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf (independent charge) Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi paid obeisance at the Dargah Hazratbal and participated in ‘Shab Khawani’ last night.

An official statement said the minister also took stock of the arrangements put in place for the devotees at the shrine. He inspected various camps setup for the convenience of the devotees and personally monitored the arrangements made for them. He also interacted with the devotees and enquired about the facilities available there.