2nd Friday of Ramadan: Devotees in large number offer prayers at Jamia Masjid

Embrace piety, virtue: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Mar 22 (KNO): On the second Friday of the holy month—Ramadhan, a large number of devotees thronged the historic Jamia Masjid here in Old City area of Nowhatta, participating in the congregational prayers led by the head cleric Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq.

The air resonated with prayers and spiritual fervor as worshippers gathered to offer Friday prayers, marking a significant moment in the month of fasting.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Jamia Masjid witnessed a significant turnout of devotees, reflecting the deep-rooted religious sentiments of the community.

Despite a wet spell and overnight rain, the devotion of the worshippers remained unwavering as they came together to seek blessings and spiritual guidance during this holy month.

Expressing joy and gratitude, worshippers told KNO, the atmosphere here is truly uplifting and serene. “It’s a blessing to be able to gather with fellow believers and pray together,” said Umer, one of the devotees.

He added, offering prayers in Ramadan at Jamia Masjid is a cherished moment for Kashmiris, as the serenity of this sacred place during Friday prayers fills our hearts with peace and gratitude.

Tahir, another local from Nowhatta, added, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility every time I step into Jamia Masjid during Ramadan. It’s a time when our community comes together, united in prayer and reflection.

Moreover, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the spiritual leader and preacher, delivered sermons, captivating the hearts of the listeners with his words of wisdom and guidance.

Meanwhile, as per a statement issued to KNO, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq conveyed to Muslims the significance of Ramadan as a pivotal period for fostering piety, self-discipline, and moral excellence.

He encouraged the faithful to view Ramadan as a divine gift, urging them to deepen their connection with Allah throughout this hallowed time.

Delivering a sermon at the historic Central Jama Masjid Srinagar, on the occasion of the 11th Ramadan and the month’s second Friday, Mirwaiz addressed a large assembly of worshippers who braved inclement weather to attend. He described Ramadan as a period showered with blessings and divine mercy, encouraging all to embrace the month’s spiritual benefits through faith and devotion.

Highlighting the essence of fasting beyond mere physical abstention, Mirwaiz underscored the importance of eschewing sins and embodying righteousness as dictated by the Qur’an and Hadith.

He stressed the holistic observance of Allah’s commands and avoidance of prohibitions, which transforms individuals into devout, mindful, and grateful believers, enriched with faith and trust.

Furthermore, Mirwaiz advocated for the support of the underprivileged during Ramadan, emphasizing that aiding those in need amplifies the virtues of this sacred month—(KNO)

Amid Election Season, Flight Fares Skyward in JK, Passengers fume

Srinagar, Mar 22: Air travelers traveling to Jammu and Kashmir are facing the harsh reality of soaring flight fares. With increased demand amidst the election environment and the approaching festival of Holi, airline companies have substantially raised their ticket prices, leaving passengers grappling with exorbitant costs.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the impact of this fare surge is particularly felt in routes connecting major cities like Jammu to Srinagar and Delhi. Previously affordable fares have now doubled, with travelers shelling out up to Rs 6,000 for a journey from Jammu to Srinagar, and up to Rs 8,000 for flights to Delhi.

Despite the outcry over escalating fares, authorities have yet to take concrete measures to curb this trend, leaving passengers at the mercy of price hikes. At Jammu airport, which operates 32 flights daily to five different cities, the majority of flights cater to popular routes such as Srinagar and Delhi.

During the period from March 22 to April 10, the average fare for flights from Jammu to Delhi ranges from Rs 5,800 to Rs 7,500. However, with the onset of Holi, these prices skyrocket to between Rs 7,000 and Rs 10,000, placing additional strain on travelers’ budgets. Similarly, flights from Jammu to Ahmedabad are now priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000, while those to Indore range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

Comparing prices with February reveals a staggering increase of three to four thousand rupees, highlighting the significant impact of festival-related fare hikes on travelers. “With such sharp increases, the burden falls disproportionately on passengers, underscoring the need for regulatory intervention to ensure fair pricing practices in the aviation sector,” an aggrieved traveller from Srinagar told KNO—(KNO)

Weather improves after 36-hour wet spell in J&K

Srinagar, Mar 22 : The weather conditions improved on Friday in parts of Jammu and Kashmir after recording light to moderate rains and snow for 36 hours since Thursday morning.

The 36-hour wet spell under the influence of Western Disturbance ended this afternoon. However under its influence, several higher reaches of north Kashmir recorded fresh snowfall while rains lashed plains of Kashmir during the period.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the weather is expected to remain dry during the next few days.

Upto March 26 from tomorrow, there is a possibility of generally dry weather conditions with brief cloudiness as well, Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.

On March 27, he said that the weather would remain partly to generally cloudy with light rain and snow at few places, adding that from March 28 to 31, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with intermittent light rain and snow at many places.

The MeT department has also issued an advisory, advising the farmers to resume farm operations after 23rd March—(KNO)

Tourist service providers in Pahalgam to have uniforms

Authorities direct taxi stands, hotels, restaurants to adopt uniforms, nameplates for staff interacting with tourists; Move aimed at enhancing professionalism, visitor experience: CEO

Pahalgam, Mar 22 (KNO): In a significant move, authorities in Pahalgam have directed all tourist service providers, including taxi stands, hotels, restaurants, and guest houses, to implement uniforms and nameplates for their staff members who directly interact with tourists. This directive is the first-of-its-kind in the area.

According to an advisory issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Pahalgam, taxi operators are specifically instructed to wear green uniforms and keep jute bags in their taxis for collecting unwanted items.

“Professionalism stands as the cornerstone of success and sustainability in tourist trade. It transcends mere transactions and encompasses a commitment to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Professionalism in the tourist trade entails not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of visitors at every touchpoint, be it accommodation, dining, transportation, or recreational activities,” reads the advisory, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Stakeholders in the tourist trade are expected to uphold certain standards of professionalism to ensure visitor satisfaction and safety. Staff members interacting with tourists are expected to present themselves professionally and adhere to prescribed uniforms or dress codes where applicable, and demonstrate courtesy, politeness and respect at all times.

As a result of a unanimous decision made in a meeting of tourist trade stakeholders, all tourist service providers in Pahalgam, including taxi stands, hotels, restaurants, and guest houses, will adopt uniforms and nameplates for their staff members who directly interact with tourists and the general public. This collective decision reflects a commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and ensuring a seamless experience for tourists and visitors, it mentions.

According to the advisory, the distinctive green uniform with nameplates will facilitate easy identification of staff members. All stakeholders are advised to strictly adhere to this uniform policy and ensure its effective implementation within their respective associations. Uniformity in attire will not only enhance the professional image of their businesses but also instill a sense of trust and reliability among visitors, it reads.

The initiative aims to make Pahalgam a premier tourist destination known for its professionalism and hospitality.

Chief Executive Officer of Pahalgam, Tariq Hussian Naik, said that the objective behind this move is to instill professional ethics in tourism.

He said the standardized attire will not only enhance aesthetics but also help visitors easily identify staff members, which will create a sense of security and trust.

“Uniforms instill pride and professionalism among stakeholders, and positively reflect on the destination’s reputation,” Naik said, adding that enforcing proper uniforms at tourist destinations is crucial for enhancing visitor experiences and maintaining industry standards in a competitive global market—(KNO)