In Indore, a demand to declare the cow a 'national heritage' marked Eid-ul-Adha celebrations on Thursday. Shehar Qazi Mohammad Ishrat Ali addressed thousands of worshippers at the Sadar Bazar Eidgah before namaz, and the proposal drew support from the gathering, with many raising their hands in agreement before peaceful Eid prayers were offered.
Call for Stronger Legal Protection
Addressing the gathering, the Shehar Qazi said cows are respected across communities and stronger legal protection was needed for their preservation. He stated that the demand aimed at promoting social harmony and preventing cruelty towards the animal. The statement became one of the key highlights of Eid celebrations in the city.
'My appeal to declare cows a national heritage received support from people across communities. We also urge the government to shut down slaughterhouses where cows are killed and stop beef exports, especially when India remains among the world's largest exporters of beef,' Shehar Qazi Dr Ishrat Ali told TOI.
Environmental and Social Issues Raised
The religious address also focused heavily on environmental concerns. He warned that rising temperatures and rapidly disappearing green cover were turning into a serious challenge for urban areas. Referring to climate conditions across the country, he urged citizens to plant trees and work towards protecting the environment for future generations.
Concern was also expressed over fake news spreading through social media platforms. Speakers warned that unverified information often creates tension and hatred in society and appealed to citizens not to blindly trust or forward messages online. Drug abuse was another issue raised prominently during the gathering. The Shehar Qazi described narcotics as a growing social threat and urged residents to inform police and community members about those involved in selling or consuming drugs.
Tradition of Communal Harmony
The celebrations also reflected Indore's long-standing tradition of communal harmony. Continuing a custom followed for more than 50 years, a Hindu family led by Satyanarayan Salwadiya welcomed the Shehar Qazi and escorted him to the Eidgah in a decorated vintage car.
Festive scenes were witnessed across Muslim-dominated localities including Chandan Nagar, Khajrana, Ranipura, Moti Tabela, Azad Nagar and Sadar Bazar, where people greeted each other after namaz and gathered with families and relatives to celebrate the festival. Markets remained busy through the day with shops selling sweets, dry fruits and festive items witnessing heavy crowds. Police and administrative teams remained deployed across sensitive locations to ensure peaceful celebrations and smooth traffic movement in the city.
