Friday following Meraj-ul-Alam observed across Valley

Srinagar, Apr 12: Thousands of devotees across the Valley thronged Dargah Hazratbal shrine here on the Friday following Meraj-ul-Alam (PBUH) to have a glimpse of the Holy relic.
While Meraj-ul-Alam, the night of ascent when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) ascended to the highest levels of Heavens, was observed with religious fervor across the state on last Thursday.
Devotees in the Valley observed the day with religious reverence and devotion.
Every year, Meraj-ul-Alam is being observed on 27th of Rajab (Islamic calendar), the night the Holy Prophet (PBUH) embarked on a special journey across the heavens.
The religious congregations were held at different shrines across the Valley. The main gathering was at Hazratbal shrine here that houses the Holy relic (hair strand) of Prophet (PBUH).
The holy relic was Friday displayed after each prayer at the shrine, while as the Islamic clerics threw light on the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) during the Friday sermons.
People from across the Valley converged at the revered shrine on the banks of Dal Lake on Fajr (morning) and Zuhr (afternoon). However, the largest gathering was witnessed during congregational Zuhr prayers.
Authorities had organized separate medical camps for male and female devotees, and ambulances were available on the spot to meet any emergency.
The route plan devised for the day by authorities also helped smooth movement of traffic on all routes leading to Hazratbal and back.
Roads and streets leading to the shrine were decorated and markets in Hazratbal wore a festive look with vendors doing brisk business.
Hundreds of private and SRTC vehicles ferried the devotees. Besides transport, arrangements for power, drinking water, medical aid camps and sanitation were also made for the convenience of people
Similar religious congregations were held across the length and breadth of the Kashmir Valley. Mehraj-ul-Alam functions were held at Asar Sharief Lal Bazar, Jenab Saheb Soura, Kalashpora, Syed Sahib-Sonwar, Shopian, Makhama-Beerwah and other places located across the Kashmir Valley.