Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the Valley today.
Despite cold weather, devotees offered night-long prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.
A large number of devotees also thronged the shrine during the course of the day and offered prayers.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the shrine as men and women prayed with tears in their eyes.
The holy relic of the Prophet was also displayed at the shrine on the occasion.
Even as night-long prayers are also offered at several other mosques and shrines of the Valley, the Hazratbal shrine remains at the centre of the Milad celebrations.
Eid-e-Milad celebrations in the Valley had begun in the 18th century after the holy relic was brought here.
Bagh-i-Sadiqabad, where the holy relic was placed, came to be later known as Hazratbal, the abode of the Prophet. The shrine is also known as the Dargah Shareef.
While Eid-e-Milad is observed on the 12th day of the Rabiul-Awwal, devotees visit the Hazratbal shrine in large number for all the 11 days prior to the Prophet’s birth anniversary.
Milad processions were also taken out in several parts of the Valley to emphasise the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The authorities had put in place adequate arrangements to cater to the huge rush of devotees to the Hazratbal.
One-way traffic plied to the Hazratbal through different routes for the convenience of pilgrims.
Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar also visited the shrine and took stock of the police deployment and security and traffic arrangements in and around the shrine.
The DGP also interacted with the police functionaries and civil defence volunteers and issued necessary instructions for facilitating the devotees.
Later, he convened a meeting of the police officers and discussed with them the security arrangements in and around the shrine.
Eid-e-Milad celebrated with fervour and gaiety
