The Friday following Eid-e-Milad un Nabi (SAW), marking the culmination of a weeklong festival celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was observed across Kashmir with religious fervour and devotion.

The Hazratbal shrine, nestled on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake, witnessed the largest congregation as tens of thousands of worshippers thronged the revered shrine.
The atmosphere turned emotional when the holy relic of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was displayed, a centuries old tradition that continues to draw the faithful from every corner of the Valley.
The devotees, with moist eyes and amid recitation of Quranic verses, prayed for themselves, their families, and for peace in the world.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father, Farooq Abdullah, joined the Friday congregation at Hazratbal.
The administration had put in place heightened security arrangements around the shrine, especially in the backdrop of last Friday’s incident when the national emblem at Hazratbal was allegedly vandalised by devotees claiming hurt sentiments.
The area outside the Hazratbal shrine witnessed a lot of hustle bustle as a whole lot of stalls selling local delicacies and other goods were placed there.
Stalls set up by various government departments added to the fair-like atmosphere, catering to the needs of the devotees.
Similar congregations were held at shrines and mosques including Asar Sharif Shahr-e-Kalashpora, Asar Sharif Jenab Sahab Soura, Lal Bazar, Syed Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, and Makhama Beerwah in Budgam.
Large gatherings were also witnessed in districts such as Shopian (Pinjoora), Anantnag (Khiram Sirhama and Seer Hamadan), Kulgam (Kaba Marg Qaimoh), Pulwama (Khanqahi Faiz Panah Tral), and Bandipora (Aham Sharief).
The Imam and clerics in their Friday sermons highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).