The Jumat-ul-Vida (the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan) was observed with religious fervor across Jammu and Kashmir with thousands of people offering congregational prayers in the mosques and shrines.
The largest congregational prayers were held at Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Over one lakh devotees thronged the revered Hazratbal shrine to offer Jumat-ul-Vida prayers.
Prominent political leaders including former chief ministers – Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti joined the congregational prayers at Hazratbal. Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also offered Friday prayers at Hazratbal shrine.
The authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the prayers all across the valley.
Reports of congregational prayers were also received from Jenab Sahab Soura, Khan-e-Kah-e-Moula, Charar-e-Sharief, Dastageer Sahib in Khanyar, Sultan-ul-Arifeen, Naqashband Sahib in downtown and Syed Sahib at Sonwar Bagh.
The overwhelming turnout at the major places of worship showed the devotion of the people.
“This is an emotional moment for me. The month of blessings is coming to an end,” said Mohammed Ashiq, a resident of Srinagar.
Special prayers were held for the peace and prosperity of Kashmir and betterment of people across the country.
The Jumat-ul-Vida prayers were also held with religious ferrous across the Jammu region.
Meanwhile, thousands of people holding placards took out a procession in Sankoo-Kargil in Ladakh Union Territory after the Jumat-ul-Vida prayers on the occasion of “Al-Quds Day” in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
However, authorities disallowed the Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at the Kashmir’s grand mosque at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
The Jumat-ul-Vida prayers holds significant importance for Muslims. The Jumat-ul-Vida prayers are marked by special prayers and supplications as Ramadan draws to a close.