Coronavirus Pandemic Overshadows Shab-e-Baraat Celebrations Across Kashmir

Srinagar: Shab-e-Baraat — Night of Fortune and Forgiveness— remained a low-key affair, for second consecutive year, in most parts of Kashmir valley as majority of populace preferred to observe the blessed night inside their homes amid re-surge in COVID related cases.

Authorities had prior directed for suspension of large gatherings at all major mosques and shrines including at Dargah Hazratbal and at historic Jamia Masjid Nowhatta even as local mosques in summer-capital Srinagar also saw a lean participation from the faith followers.

However mosques in city suburbs and rural areas saw a sizeable participation of the devotees, who were seen engrossed in thoughtful prayers, seeking atonement of their sins besides praying for peace and prosperity of the mankind.

The religious clerics delivered thought-provoking sermons on teachings of Islam and various aspects of life of last prophet of Islam — Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), throughout the night.

It is to mention here that the holy night is observed by Muslims across sub-continent during the intervening night of 14 and 15 Sha’ban — the eight month of Islamic calendar.

The persistent COVID conditions have for the second straight year restricted the Night celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere even as the former witnessing a re-surge in cases for over a week now. J&K has added 235 fresh cases in last twenty-four hours, taking the tally officially to 130228. (GNS)