Jumat-ul-Vida observed with religious fervour

Srinagar, Mar 13: Jumatul Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, was observed with deep religious fervour across Kashmir on Friday as thousands of devotees thronged mosques and shrines to offer congregational prayers.

The largest gathering of worshippers was witnessed at the Hazratbal shrine, where devotees from different parts of Kashmir assembled in large numbers to participate in the special Friday prayers.

After several days of inclement weather, Srinagar witnessed clear and sunny conditions on Friday, encouraging people to step out in large numbers. From early morning, elderly men, women, and children were seen making their way towards mosques and shrines, particularly the Hazratbal shrine, to observe the spiritually significant occasion.

Jumatul Vida is observed on the last Friday of Ramadan and is considered a farewell to the holy month.

On this day, devotees gather in large congregations to offer prayers and seek forgiveness and blessings ahead of the conclusion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

On Thursday, Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam had announced that Jumatul Vida would be observed on March 13 and extended greetings to people on the occasion.

He also highlighted the significance of the day and urged people to spend the remaining days of Ramadan in prayers and charity.

Officials at the Hazratbal shrine said that the turnout of devotees was overwhelming as people arrived from different parts of Kashmir.

In view of the large congregations, various departments had put in place special arrangements to facilitate devotees.

Officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) said special sanitation drives were carried out around major religious places in the city.

“Special drives were conducted around shrines and mosques so that devotees do not face any inconvenience,” an SMC official said.

The Traffic Police also deployed additional personnel to regulate the movement of vehicles, particularly in the Hazratbal area, where the influx of devotees and vehicles remained heavy throughout the day.

“More men and machinery were pressed into service to streamline traffic movement in view of the large number of devotees visiting religious places,” a Traffic Police official said.

Commuters said the roads leading to Hazratbal witnessed heavy traffic due to the massive inflow of devotees.

Meanwhile, markets around the Hazratbal shrine and other religious places were abuzz with activity as vendors set up stalls, anticipating a large turnout of shoppers.

Food vendors, vegetable sellers, meat dealers, and clothing traders reported brisk business as many devotees combined their visit to the shrine with Eid shopping.

With Eid-ul-Fitr expected in less than a week, people were seen purchasing clothes, food items, and other essentials.

“There was a huge rush today. Many people who came for prayers also bought items for Eid celebrations,” said Imran Bhat, a vendor near Hazratbal shrine.

Devotees said the favourable weather added to the spirit of the occasion.

“Jumatul Vida is a very special day for us. We come here to pray and seek blessings before Ramadan ends,” said Zubair Ahmad, a devotee outside the shrine.

Large congregations were also reported from other shrines and mosques including Jenab Sahab Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shahri Kalashpora, Lal Bazar, Khanqah-e-Maula, Ziarat Hazrat Dastgeer Sahab (RA), Syed Yaqoob Sahab (RA) Sonwar, Khawaja Naqshband Sahab (RA), and Ziarat Makhdoom Sahib (RA), where special prayers were offered on the occasion.