Srinagar: The Shab-i-Miraj was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region, where lakhs of people joined the night-long prayers in shrines, mosques and Jamia masjid.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, leaders of different political parties and separatists besides religious and social organizations have greeted people on the occasion.
People joined long-long special prayers in the Kashmir valley, where main congregation was held at Hazratbal shrine, which houses the Holy relic of Prophet Muahmmad on the bank of Dal Lake.
People, including women and children, from different parts of the valley and Jammu region participated in the special prayers at the shrine, where authorities had made all necessary arrangements, including water, power, health and security for the devotees. Immediately after the โ Fajrโ (morning prayers) devotees had the darshan of the Holy Relic on Thursday. The process of darshan of the holy Relic will continue after every prayers during the day.
A number of organizations have set up their stalls for the assistance of devotees. The authorities and private transporters have made arrangements to bring the devotees from different parts of the valley to shrine. However, to avoid any traffic jam, the traffic department has announced routes for vehicles coming from different parts of the valley. The department has also identified parking places in the shrine area.
Hundreds of vendors had also set up their stall outside the shrine premises, selling eatables and other items.
Similar special prayers were also organized at other shrine, mosques and Jamia masjids in the valley.
Reports of Shab-i-Meraj celebrations were also received Leh, Kargil and Drass in Ladakh region.
In his message of felicitations the Governor has expressed hope that the celebration of this auspicious occasion would further strengthen the bonds of amity, harmony and brotherhood among all communities and be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.