Srinagar: The two religious events including Meraj-ul-Aalam and Maha Shivratri, locally known as Herath were observed and celebrated respectively with religious fervor and zeal in Kashmir on Tuesday.
A large number of devotees thronged the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar to observe Meraj-ul-Alam. Mehaj-ul-Alam was observed with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley on Tuesday.
Gatherings were witnessed at several mosques and shrines in Kashmir from Monday night itself. The devotees, including women, thronged the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake throughout Tuesday for prayers, supplications and to catch a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad.
Meraj-ul-Alam is observed on 27th Rajab month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe that Prophet Mohammad ascended to the highest levels of heaven on the night of Shab-e-Meraj.
Meanwhile, Kashmiri Pandits celebrated ‘Herath’ with religious fervor in the Valley.
“We offered night-long puja, which ended in the morning,” a Kashmir Pandit Vijay Sas said. “Today, as per tradition, we observed ‘salam’ and visited the homes of our kith and kin to extend the Herath greetings,” he added.
Most of the Kashmiri Pandits offered prayers at their homes.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, paid obeisance at Shankaracharya temple and performed Hawan during which he prayed for peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and entire nation, an official spokesman said.
He said these festivals teach brotherhood, unity and harmony among diverse communities. He also said that all the facilities have been made available for the convenience of devotees at Shankaracharya and various other temples.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Mayor also visited the Shankaracharya temple and interacted with devotees and extended his greetings and best wishes to them.
Mahashivratri was also celebrated by the local Hindu Community at other temples in Srinagar, including Shri Hanuman Temple and Shri Ganpatyar Temple. (UNI)
