Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 3: Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi today inaugurated Mega Construction and Beautification Project of the Hazratbal Shrine after months of dedicated work. Overwhelmed with emotion during the event, Dr. Andrabi was accompanied by Waqf Board members Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammed Hussain Haqqani, as well as prominent religious scholars Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, Maulana Mohammad Ashraf and others.
The Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board launched this extensive project last year, focusing on rebuilding and plastering the entire inner structure using local heritage crafts and arts to restore the shrine’s majestic beauty. The project included installing a modern digital electric system with full air conditioning and replacing the old sound system with a state-of-the-art digital setup.
Artistic enhancements include pure gold carvings, khatamband (wooden ceiling art), papier-mâché, pinjrakari (lattice work), calligraphy and glass art, all arranged in professionally designed frames to create a stunning interior. Magnificent chandeliers engraved with Quranic verses further enhance the shrine’s grandeur. The Noor-Khana area has also been given a magical makeover.
Dr. Andrabi personally supervised the project, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. The inauguration ceremony was marked by Naat-Khwani and Darood-Khwani, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Expressing her joy, Dr. Andrabi said, “Inaugurating this project before the Milad celebrations is a blessing. This state-of-the-art renovation has made Hazratbal one of the most beautiful shrines in the country and the region.” She described it as her dream project and thanked everyone involved for their dedication.
A documentary on the project was screened at a small function outside the shrine, where Dr. Andrabi, Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami and Waqf Board members addressed the gathering. Dr. Andrabi assured that infrastructural and development initiatives by the Waqf Board would continue to enhance facilities for devotees.
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