Srinagar Grand Mosque Reopened after 7 Months
The grand mosque remained shut for prayers after the government imposed lockdown measures soon after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit J&K.
On the occasion, Anjuman Auqaf, caretaker body of the grand mosque, had made elaborate measures to enforce protocols for the worshippers to prevent the COVID spread.
The grand mosque was closed for prayers after authorities implemented restrictions across Kashmir, including at religious places, to avoid the gatherings. However, other shrines and mosques in the Kashmir valley were reopened gradually as COVID situation eased in the Union Territory.
The Friday sermon was given by Imam Hai Syed Ahmed Naqshband at the grand mosque who urged the participants to follow the Quran and Sunnah.
Emotional scenes were witnessed on the occasion with devotees thanking the Almighty and seeking His mercy and blessings. The worshippers were seen praying for the welfare of people of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the worshippers expressed happiness at the reopening of the grand mosque after a long pause.
Umar Manzoor, a worshipper, told Rising Kashmir that “our sentiments are connected to this sacred place.”
A few dozen women also offered prayers in an enclosure marked for them at the Mosque.
The Anjuman Auqaf had also deployed volunteers in large numbers to ensure that prayers were held in the mosque without any hassle.
Earlier on Monday, PK Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar visited the grand mosque in Nowhatta to review measures for its reopening.
The historic grand mosque, which is regarded as a major place for Friday prayers, has been closed for most of the last two-and-a-half -years.
Source: Rising Kashmir
