Srinagar, Feb 16: Thousands of devotees braved the chill on Wednesday to offer prayers at Hazratbal Shrine here to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Men, women and children converged at the shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake to have a glimpse of the Holy Relic after each namaz.
Thousands of people offered the congregational Zuhar prayers at Hazratbal to catch the glimpse of holy Relic. The Relic is displayed after every prayer on Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).  People including children and women held night-long prayers and recited Dorud-i-Sharief.
The Government had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. More than 1000 private and SRTC vehicles ferried devotees from different parts of the Valley to the shrine throughout the day.
Besides Hazratbal, congregational prayers were also offered at Asarisharif Kalashpora and Jenab Sahib Soura in the city.
Summer capital Srinagar has been presenting a festive look since the beginning of Rabi-ul-Awal as markets have been illuminated in Dargah and other parts of the city.
Meanwhile, Police dispersed the Milad procession taken out by the activists of Democratic Political Movement.
Scores of DPM activists led by Firdous Shah took out a procession from Aabi Guzar locality this morning. Raising pro-Islam slogans, the activists tried to march through the City Centre. However a contingent of police intercepted them and took four of them into custody.
In north Kashmir’s Baramulla town, thousands of people participated in Milad procession taken out by the Janbaz Academy and Jamiat-Ahl-Sunnath.
The procession started from the Shrine of Janbaz Wali (RA) Khanpora and culminated at Astan Aalia of old town.
Raising pro-Islam slogans and reciting Doorud-i-Sharief the processionists marched through the town.
This was first time in past 20 years that such massive number of people participated in the procession.
Milad processions were also taken out in south Kashmir.
Thousands of people participated in the procession taken out in Islamabad town. Reports of Milad processions are also pouring in from other districts.
The congregational prayers were also held at Pinjoora Shopian, Khiram Sirhama, Islamabad (Anantnag), Seer Hamdan and Kaba Marg Qaimoh, where religious scholars threw light on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST