Lakhs participate in night-long prayers in JK

Srinagar, Oct 21: Despite considerable drop in the temperature due to fresh snowfall on the upper reaches, lakhs of Muslims participated in the night-long prayers in mosques, khankhas and other places on the occasion of Lailatul Qadar (the 27th night Ramzan when holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad).

The main congregations were held at Hazratbal Shrine, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad, historic Jamia Masjid in the down town, shrine of Mukhdoom sahib, Dastigir sahib and Sheikh Yaqoob Sarfi Sonawar where lakhs of devotees joined the prayers.

People, including women and children, braving icy cold winds, were seen proceeding towards the mosques and other religious places to participate in the prayers after breaking their fast last evening. The prayers continued throughout the night during which the priests speak about the teachings of Islam.

Special prayers were offered for restoration of peace in the state.

Reports of Lailatul Qadar celebrations were also received from Baramulla, Pulwama, Badgam, Anantnag, Charar-e-Sharief and other places across the Kashmir valley.

Thousands of Muslims, including women and children, also joined the night-long prayers in different mosques and shrine at Leh, Kargil and Drass despite considerable drop in the temperature.

Officials said the night-long prayers in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh regions passed off peacefully and there was no report of any untoward incident.

UNI