Srinagar, Aug. 26 -- The women had gathered beneath the pale light of Hazratbal, their hands raised in prayer as the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]'s relic was displayed.

Some wept openly, others bowed their heads, murmuring prayers for children, parents and lives caught in difficult seasons.

Thousands had come to the shrine in Srinagar for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, turning the Prophet's birthday into a day of devotion, reunion and emotional release.

Among them was Halima, a woman in her 70s who has spent more than 55 years attending Milad at the shrine.

She cannot read or write. Her granddaughter holds two master's degrees.

Halima describes the young woman as deeply learned, argumentative and capable of finding an explanation for almost everythin...