Srinagar, Sep 5: Kashmir witnessed massive night-long religious gatherings on the eve of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) as thousands of devotees assembled at Hazratbal and other shrines across the Valley.

The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), observed on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal, the third month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, drew people in large numbers who spent the night in prayers, recitation, and Shab-e-Khawani.

The largest congregation was held at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where men, women, and children stayed overnight to seek blessings and participate in special prayers.

Devotees said that their supplications this year included pleas for protection from the recurring flood threats looming over Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.

“We come here every year with our families, but this year our prayers are also for safety from floods that have caused fear again in many areas. Along with asking for forgiveness, we seek relief and well-being for everyone,” said Suhail Ahmad, a devotee from Pulwama.

Officials said that the main congregation will be on Saturday at Hazratbal, where the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed for devotees after every prayer.

Authorities said that all departments, including Police, Power, Health, and sanitation bodies, had been mobilised to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

An official from Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) said that sanitation drives were carried out at major Masjids and shrines.

“Our men and machinery are on the ground to keep the premises clean and hassle-free for devotees,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police issued advisories and set up designated parking zones to manage the rush. Hazratbal has been undergoing renovation and beautification works, with new carpets laid inside the sanctum on the eve of Eid-e-Milad.

Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board, Darakhshan Andrabi, who paid obeisance at the shrine, said that the development projects were progressing despite challenges.

“All people are appreciating the reconstruction and beautification of our shrines. The Waqf Board has resolved to carry forward this mission of development and transparency without compromise. Hazratbal’s new look has received an overwhelming public response,” Andrabi said.

While Hazratbal witnessed the largest gathering, major congregations were also held across south Kashmir at Jamia Masjid Reshi Sahab, Khiram Sirhama, Kaba Marg, Dooru, and Seer Hamdan.

From Srinagar downtown to far-off districts, devotees thronged Masjids to offer special night prayers and participate in religious discourses.

Srinagar, Sep 5: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo visited Sailkhanen village in D.H. Pora, Kulgam and held a massive Public Darbar to directly engage with the people and listen to their grievances and developmental aspirations.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister highlighted that the Omar-led Government is public centric and making concerted efforts to meet developmental aspirations of the people and ensure improved services at their doorsteps. She added that the government in recent months has initiated several projects of public importance besides healthcare facilities have been upgraded across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir with particular focus on rural and far-flung areas, said a press release.

In her address, the Minister also spoke about various schemes meant for various sections of society, including women. She also urged youth to actively avail skill development schemes and stressed the importance of community participation in ensuring accountability and progress.

The Minister further underlined that these Public Darbars are at the core of the present government and vital for bridging the gap between administration and the people. She added that the Government is committed for responsive governance and grassroots development.

During the Darbar, locals projected several demands like upgradation of Middle School to High School, establishment of Animal Husbandry Centre, a Sub Centre, SFC wood depot, Agriculture and Horticulture units, food store, relief in utility bills, fast-track completion of Panchayat Ghar, as well as development of a playfield in the area.

While responding to these demands, the Minister directed the concerned authorities to identify land for a playfield and assured the locals that an ambulance will be provided to the area considering its far-flung nature. She also assured the public that other demands will be addressed promptly.

Srinagar, Sept 05: Rescue teams in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district recovered the bodies of two Kashmiri residents following a massive landslide in the Inner Akhara Bazaar, officials said on Friday.

The landslide, triggered by heavy monsoon rains on Thursday morning, flattened residential houses and buried several people under debris.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the bodies of the deceased have been identified as 30-year-old Mehraj Laul and 28-year-old Sajid Ahmad Wani, both residents of Kashmir.

Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident with many people still remain missing—(KNO)

Srinagar, Sep 05: Authorities at University of Kashmir said on Friday that all examinations scheduled for tomorrow (06.09.2025) have been postponed due to ongoing inclement weather conditions.

They said that fresh dates for the conduct of postponed papers shall be notified separately.

“In view of the situation arising from the recent inclement weather, it is hereby notified that all University examinations scheduled for 06.09.2025 stand postponed,” a notification issued by Assistant Controller of Examinations (Conduct) reads.

“Fresh date/s for the conduct of postponed papers shall be notified separately,” it also reads.