Thousands of devotees across the Valley thronged the Dargah Hazratbal shrine here on the Friday following of Mehraj-ul-Alam (SAW) to have a glimpse of the Holy relic.While Mehraj-ul-Alam, the night of ascent when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ascended to the highest levels of Heavens, was observed with religious fervor across the state on last Thursday.Devotees in the Valley also observed Friday following with religious reverence, devotion and fervor. Every year, Mehraj-ul-Alam is being observed on 27th of Rajab (Islamic calendar), the night the Holy Prophet (SAW) embarked on a special journey to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies riding the heavenly ‘al-Buraq’.The religious congregations were held at different shrines across the Valley, the main gathering was at Hazratbal shrine here that houses the Holy relic (hair strand) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).The holy relic was today displayed after each prayer at the shrine, while as the Islamic clerics threw light on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the Friday sermons today.
People from across the Valley converged at the revered shrine on the banks of Dal Lake on Fajr (morning) and Zuhr (afternoon). However, the largest gathering was witnessed during congregational Zuhr prayers.Authorities had organized separate medical camps for male and female devotees, and ambulances were available on the spot to meet any emergency.The route plan devised for the day by authorities also helped smooth movement of traffic on all routes leading to Hazratbal and back.Roads and streets leading to the shrine were decorated and markets in Hazratbal wore a festive look with vendors doing brisk business.Hundreds of private and SRTC vehicles ferried the devotees. Besides transport, arrangements for power, drinking water, medical aid camps and sanitation were also made for the convenience of people. Similar religious congregations were held across the length and breadth of the Kashmir Valley. Mehraj-ul-Alam functions were held at Asar Sharief Lal Bazar, Jenab Saheb Soura, Kalashpora, Syed Sahib-Sonwar, Shopian, Makhama-Beerwah and other places located across the Kashmir Valley. (KNS)