‘A peaceful celebration’: Kolkata Mosques hold Eid prayers in shifts to avoid roadblocks

KOLKATA: Mosques across the city, including areas, such as Beckbagan, Raja Bazar, Chitpore and Kidderpore, conducted the special prayers on the occasion of Eid-uz-Zoha in multiple shifts to accommodate the devotees on the mosque premises and ensure the worshippers did not spill onto roads. In some areas, the devotees offered namaz in parks and adhered to the government diktat of keeping roads free for vehicular traffic.

Jama Masjid at Raja Bazar held the special Eid prayers in two shifts, with nearly 3,000 devotees offering prayers in each shift. At Narkeldanga, Jama Masjid Darussalam held the special Eid prayers in three shifts. Police were posted outside both the mosques to monitor the situation and ensure smooth vehicular movement on Keshab Chandra Sen Street and Narkeldanga Main Road.

Umar Awais, a resident of Raja Bazar, said, “I offered my Eid prayer at Jama Masjid, Raja Bazar. We prayed for peace, harmony, love and brotherhood. The message to the community was to abide by the law and follow the Constitution of the country. Everything happened peacefully and there was no problem.”

Around 200 devotees gathered at the railway playground on Kaizer Street to offer Eid prayers. At Sholo Ana Masjid in Kidderpore, Eid prayers were offered in two shifts. Hossain Shah Park, Mominpore, where Eid prayers are held, witnessed a low-key congregation.

Descendant of Tipu Sultan Shaheryaar Ali Mirza, who is also the trustee of Tipu Sultan mosques at Chandni Chowk and Tollygunge, said, “Everything went off peacefully. The Eid prayers were conducted in two shifts at both the mosques. Around 10,000 to 20,000 devotees offered prayers. We offered sweets to police personnel as a mark of respect and to share happiness with them.”

At Nakhoda Mosque on Zakaria Street, one of the city’s largest Eid congregations gathered from early morning. People started arriving at the mosque from as early as 5.30am to get space on the premises. Police were deployed around Zakaria Street and adjoining areas since dawn to regulate movement and assist worshippers. In many areas, community elders guided people inside the mosques.

Nakhoda Masjid Imam Maulana Mohammad Shafiq Qasmi said, “Devotees offered their special Eid prayers in one shift on the mosque premises. We prayed for harmony and cooperation in India. Animal sacrifice or ‘Ilamati qurbani’ gives us a ‘sabak (lesson)’ that we should sacrifice in all facets of our lives. Sacrifices can take place for the smallest to biggest things. This is why Allah has said qurbani’s gosht (meat) and blood do not reach me, what reaches is your ‘god-consciousness of your heart’.”

Zakaria Street resident Gazala Yasmin, who teaches at Aliah University, said, “Bengal is known for celebrations of different festivals across various communities. My husband offered prayer at Nakhoda Masjid and members of our community ensured no inconvenience was caused during the celebration.”

Mohammed Arif, a trader from Canning Street who attended prayers at Nakhoda Mosque, said, “There was no crowding outside during the namaz and people could pray peacefully and traffic also moved normally.”

Bowbazar resident Imran Zaki, founder member of Kolkata We Care, pointed out that this time, Eid-ul-Adha in the city was different, but in a positive and mature way. “Islam teaches us to practise our faith with cleanliness, responsibility, sensitivity and respect for others. Roads and pavements are meant for public movement and should not be blocked. There also seems to be a growing self-realisation within the community to follow guidelines and celebrate peacefully without causing inconvenience to others. I offered my Eid namaz at my local mosque and everything happened smoothly and harmoniously,” he said.

A resident of Belgachhia, Shahnawaz Aadil, said, “The community offered its prayers inside the Belgachhia Jama Masjid and also sat on one flank of the Belgachhia flyover. The other flank was open to traffic. We prayed for peace, tranquillity and brotherhood and expressed our gratitude towards the administration for cooperating with us. The message to the community was that whatever legal decisions the government takes, which are correct from the constitutional standpoint, the Muslim community will accept and abide by them.”

Social activist Mudar Patherya said, “What appears to me refreshing is the willingness of the Muslim community to step forward and collaborate with the govt for a responsible Eid celebration. This sends forth the message that we are willing to take a stance if it helps the state and the people of all communities.”

(with inputs from Srishti Lakhotia)