Historic Hazratbal shrine reopens after major renovation

Srinagar, Sept 03: The historic Hazratbal shrine, one of the valley’s most revered places of worship, was reopened on Wednesday after an extensive renovation and beautification project carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju described the development as the shrine’s first major interior transformation since 1968. In a post on X, he wrote that the new design “blends modernity with the traditional artistry of Kashmir” and called it “a proud cultural milestone for J&K’s spiritual heritage.”
The facelift, supervised by J&K Waqf Board chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, involved months of work. Traditional Kashmiri crafts such as papier-mache, katamband, pinjrakari, calligraphy and gold carvings were combined with modern facilities, including a digital electrical system, air-conditioning, advanced sound arrangements and CCTV coverage.
The shrine’s interiors now feature glass art, Quranic engravings on chandeliers and a redesigned Noor Khana.
The visibly emotional Dr Andrabi, after inaugurating the renovated complex, said the project was her “dream initiative”. She thanked the administration and people for their cooperation. “Completing this before Milad celebrations is a blessing,” she added.
Dr Darakhshan was accompanied by Waqf Board members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammed Hussain Haqqani, along with prominent religious scholars, including Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami and Maulana Mohammad Ashraf, among others.
The Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board undertook this extensive project last year, beginning with the rebuilding and plastering of the entire inner structure, utilising local heritage crafts and arts to give the shrine a magnificent appearance. “A state-of-the-art digital electrical system has been installed, alongside complete air conditioning for the interiors and a modern digital sound system replacing the old one,” the Board said in a statement.
“The interiors have been adorned with pure gold carvings, khatamband (wooden ceilings), papier-mâché, pinjrakari (jalis), calligraphy, and glass art, all crafted and installed in professionally designed frames to enhance the spiritual ambience. Magnificent chandeliers engraved with Quranic verses further add to the shrine’s splendour. The Noor-Khana (place for offering prayers and light) has been transformed into a captivating space, exuding a divine aura,” it added.
The inauguration was accompanied by Naat-Khwani and Darood-Khwani recitations, creating an impressive and spiritual environment during the event.
Speaking to the media, Dr Andrabi congratulated all involved in this monumental project. “It is a blessing to inaugurate this project ahead of the Milad celebrations. This state-of-the-art construction has made Dargah Hazratbal the most beautiful shrine in the country and the region,” she said. She described the project as her dream initiative, expressing gratitude to God for making its realisation possible.
“Since the beginning of my tenure, my team and I have worked tirelessly to create better and more beautiful infrastructure at the shrine to facilitate the devotees. The Waqf Board’s infrastructural and developmental projects will continue,” she said.
Hazratbal, situated on the banks of Dal Lake, holds deep spiritual significance as it houses a relic believed to be a strand of hair of Prophet Muhammad. For generations, it has drawn thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. With the latest restoration, officials say the shrine not only remains a spiritual centre but also a renewed symbol of Kashmiri culture and heritage.
A short documentary on the renovation was also screened for visitors during the inauguration ceremony.