Friday following Eid Milad celebrations low-key affair

ibune News Service

Srinagar, November 15

“Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi” celebrations remained a low-key affair in the Kashmir valley today. While much lesser than usual number of devotees were present at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake, Friday prayers were yet again not offered at Jamia Masjid in old city.

“Friday following Milad” celebrations are unique to Kashmir and are held on the first Friday that follows Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. Eid-e-Milad was observed on November 10 earlier this week amid strict restrictions in view of the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya issue.

Eyewitnesses said barbed wires were placed on the roads near the Hazratbal shrine today also but devotees coming on foot were allowed to enter. “There was larger rush of devotees today as compared to November 10 but the rush was still much lesser than what we usually see during Friday following celebrations,” said Omar, a devotee.

The holy relic of Prophet Muhammad was also displayed on the occasion at Hazratbal. Friday prayers have not been allowed at Jamia Masjid since August 5 when Article 370 was abrogated. Though religious functions related to Eid-e-Milad are held at several mosques and shrines across the Valley, Hazratbal has remained the hub of Milad celebrations in Kashmir.