Preparations for Kolkata's largest Eid-uz-Zuha congregation accelerated at Brigade Parade Ground on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled prayers at 8:30 am on May 28. Organizers and police officials oversaw arrangements at the new venue, which replaces the traditional Red Road site this year following recent administrative directives on public gatherings and sound restrictions.
Arrangements at the New Venue
Workers were seen setting up poles to mount microphones across sections of the ground, while a small podium for the cleric leading the prayers was also being readied. Kolkata Police personnel supervised the installation of signage and barricading of parts of the area to ensure smooth traffic movement. Approximately three lakh people attend the Eid congregation twice a year, making it one of the largest such gatherings in eastern India.
Police Directives and Traffic Management
At a meeting at Lalbazar, police were instructed to ensure that no prayers are held on the roads anywhere in Kolkata. Officers will ensure that people wait for their turn to offer prayers without causing traffic disruption. However, they have been asked to remain patient and explain to the faithful the importance of maintaining normal traffic flow, rather than misbehaving.
Unlike previous years, Red Road will not be closed to traffic. Police will not allow any parking around Maidan except at TAI grounds, the YMCA, and Bata grounds. For decades, the city's largest Eid prayers were held on Red Road after organizers secured permission from the Army authorities. The congregation was disrupted only during the two Covid years. Annually, organizers coordinate with Kolkata Police on security arrangements, crowd management, and traffic regulation ahead of the prayers.
Reason for the Shift
This year, the gathering will be shifted to Brigade Parade Ground after Kolkata Police requested members of the Calcutta Khilafat Committee to consider an alternative venue close to Red Road. A series of meetings between organizers and police officers were held over the past few days before Brigade Parade Ground was finalized. The shift comes amid recent administrative directives issued by the newly elected BJP government, aimed at ensuring that loudspeaker sound does not travel beyond religious precincts and that religious gatherings do not block roads or inconvenience the general public except on special occasions.
Organizers' Statements
Mullick Mohammad Ishaque of the Calcutta Khilafat Committee stated, "The Eid-uz-Zuha namaz will not be held on Red Road this year and will instead take place at Brigade Parade Ground. The arrangements for the prayers are underway at the venue. There will be proper signage to guide those coming to offer prayers. People are requested to adhere to all guidelines." Nasser Ebrahim, trustee of Nakhoda Mosque, added, "We will keep provision for a second jamaat if the need arises. Devotees should not worry if they do not get space during the first shift."
Security and Livestock Movement
Police said crowd dispersal and traffic movement plans were being prepared, keeping in mind the large turnout expected for the prayers. At Lalbazar, officers were also asked to ensure that cow and livestock movement takes place as per the rule of law. A police officer noted, "We have merely been asked to ensure that the 1950 law prohibiting public slaughter of cattle is implemented strictly."
