SRINAGAR: Thousands of devotees assembled at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar on Friday to offer congregational prayers on Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan.
Large numbers of worshippers reached the shrine from early morning and participated in special prayers and supplications, seeking peace, prosperity and well-being for the region.
Authorities had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the prayers. Security was heightened in and around the shrine, with police and other security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Officials said a high alert was maintained across Jammu and Kashmir, with additional security measures put in place at sensitive locations and major religious places to ensure the peaceful observance of the day.
Similar congregational prayers were held at mosques and shrines across Kashmir, where devotees gathered in large numbers to pray for lasting peace and harmony.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also visited the shrine and joined the prayers.
However, authorities did not allow congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq, who was scheduled to deliver the sermon there, was placed under house arrest.
