Srinagar: Despite heavy rains lashing all through the week, a large number of devotees on Friday visited the Hazratbal shrine to offer afternoon prayers and catch a glimpse of the Holy relic of Prophet Mohammed SAW.
Earlier this month, the Shrine Management at Hazratbal decided to not hold the night long prayers at Dargah in wake of the pandemic. The decision had left many devotees disappointed, however, arrangements were made at the Dargah for displaying of the Holy Relic after every prayer.
The markets of Hazratbal which are abuzz on the eve of Meraj every year, faced decline in their sales this yeat, as would have otherwise been expected on such occasions.
“It breaks my heart to see the hardships that our people are facing today because of the pandemic. I couldn’t come here for Shab last night, but I made it in time for Ziyarat,” Shaani, a resident of Kawdara Srinagar told me.
People from as far as Pulwama, Kangan, Handwara had visited the shrine for Ziyarat.
Amid sobs and sighs, the young and old, men, women, and children attended the afternoon congregational prayers at the Hazratbal Shrine located on the banks of the Dal Lake.
Devotees are seen reflected in a puddle as they offer prayers at the Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
A boy looks upon while the devotees offer congregational prayers at the Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
A devotee with her hennaed hands at Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
A woman posing for a portrait with her family on the occasion of Meraj. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
Women lost in prayers. [FPKPhoto/Zainab]
Devotees at Hazratbal Shrine gather for Durood after finishing the congregational prayers. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
The head priest of the Hazratbal Shrine displays the holy relic to a crowd of devotees at Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
Devotees look up to get a glimpse of the holy relic at Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
Devotees at Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
A woman sobs during the display of the holy relic at the Hazratbal Shrine. [FPK Photo/Zainab]
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