Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 5: Jumat ul Vida, which marks the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramadan, was observed today across Kashmir with thousands of people attending the prayers at Dargah Hazratbal.
The biggest congregation on the occasion was held at Dargah Hazratbal, where hundreds of people from various parts of Kashmir assembled. Other Masjids and shrines across Kashmir also witnessed people attending prayers in huge numbers.
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On the occasion, the authorities had put in place all necessary facilities at Dargah Hazratbal to facilitate people reaching to offer the last Friday prayers of the Islamic month.
The Traffic Department made arrangements aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and providing parking facilities.
Additionally, the traffic department released a detailed road plan, along with ample buses to facilitate travel to and from Dargah Hazratbal from various points in the city.
Men, women, elders and children were seen engaging in prayers, seeking blessings from Almighty, especially during the Holy month of Ramadan.
“I prayed for the peace and prosperity of the entire world; this month is when prayers are heard; this day is special, and I believe all prayers will be answered today,” said Abdul Gaffar, a devotee who travelled to Hazratbal from Budgam.
Another elderly man expressed his prayer to Almighty, seeking a visit to Mecca and Madina without delay, stating, “This is all I need now; I prayed for it and better health.”
Regarding the arrangements in place, people lauded the administration, stating they did not face difficulties reaching Hazratbal.
National Conference president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; People’s Democratic Party president, Mehbooba Mufti; and Apni Party Chief, Altaf Bukhari, also offered Friday prayers at Hazratbal.
However, another large congregation expected at the historic Jamia Masjid was disallowed by the authorities, while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated he was put under house arrest.
In a video statement, Mirwaiz condemned the authorities’ actions on this significant religious occasion, expressing sadness and frustration at the “forced closure” of Jamia Masjid’s gates, preventing the religious congregation.
“It would have been a different experience if I could extend this greeting to you in person at Jama Masjid and you would be there to receive it. But for the fifth consecutive year, the authorities have once again locked the gates of the historic and central Jama Masjid Srinagar and put me under house arrest,” he said.
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