The Azadi Times | News Desk – The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Eid Milad-un-Nabi, was observed on Saturday across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh with immense religious zeal, spiritual devotion, and profound reverence. From Srinagar to Kargil, mosques, shrines, imambaras, and khanqahs were illuminated, while processions and gatherings echoed with naats, salutations, and chants of faith.
The most prominent congregation took place at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where devotees thronged in the thousands to witness the display of the holy relic (Moi-e-Muqaddas) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Night-long prayers, recitations of Durood-o-Salam, and sermons were held despite the autumn chill. At dawn, as the relic was displayed, faces of the faithful lit up with joy and tears, creating an atmosphere of deep emotional and spiritual intensity.
Valley-Wide Processions and Devotional Gatherings
Across the Kashmir Valley, grand processions marched through towns and villages, with participants chanting “Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah” and “Ya Nabi Salam Alaika.” Children carried green flags and buntings, while elders joined with prayer beads in hand.
Community kitchens provided tea, warm milk, and meals along procession routes. Shopkeepers set up water stalls and food distributions as acts of devotion. Sermons by scholars highlighted the Prophet’s life as a guiding light for humanity, emphasizing unity, compassion, and service to mankind.
Unity Across Sects and Regions
The commemorations reflected a spirit of unity that transcended sectarian lines. In Pampore, the Auqaf Islamia Trust and Shah Hamdan Memorial Trust led a large procession that concluded at the Khanqah Aaliya. In Srinagar’s Kalashpora, the Jamiat Hamdania organized processions, while Anjuman Shari Shian led a major Shia-Sunni gathering from Mir Shamsuddin Araqi Khanqah to Imam Bara Gulshan Bagh.
Such joint observances sent a strong message of brotherhood, with clerics urging communities to rise above division and embody the Prophet’s teachings of tolerance and harmony.
Jammu and Pir Panjal Participation
The fervor was not limited to the Valley. In Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch, Muslims organized processions, decorated homes with lights, and held devotional gatherings. In the Pir Panjal towns of Mendhar and Surankote, thousands joined processions, while women offered sweets and drinks to participants along the routes.
Celebrations Amid Ladakh’s Mountains
In the high-altitude regions of Leh, Kargil, and Drass, Eid Milad-un-Nabi was celebrated with equal enthusiasm. In Kargil, night-long prayers and gatherings were held in imambaras, while in Leh, the Sunni community organized processions despite the cold. Against snow-covered mountains, the collective chants of Salawat created a scene of remarkable spiritual unity.
Cities Adorned in Lights and Colors
Almost every town and city across Jammu and Kashmir was adorned with green flags, fairy lights, and colorful decorations. In Srinagar, streets and bazaars glowed with illuminated banners and flags, creating a festive atmosphere that lasted late into the night.
Authorities made special arrangements at Hazratbal, ensuring uninterrupted electricity, water, sanitation, and emergency medical facilities. Community groups and government bodies, including J&K Bank and State Road Transport Corporation, contributed with free food, transportation, and support for devotees.
A Day of Joy and Reflection
For many, Eid Milad-un-Nabi was not just a celebration but a renewal of faith and spirit. “This is the happiest day for us,” said a devotee at Hazratbal. “It is the day when humanity was blessed with the Prophet who brought light to the world.”
Clerics across gatherings emphasized that the Prophet’s teachings remain a beacon for humanity, calling on the Muslim community to replace division with love, and injustice with compassion.
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