kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata witnessed Eid in an unusual manner this year, reflecting a shift from long-standing tradition. Instead of the customary gathering at Red Road, the Eid namaz was held at Brigade Ground. Not only that, no Eid prayers were organised on any roads across the city or its suburbs, ensuring that all major roads remained open since Thursday morning. Despite this change in venue, strict security arrangements were implemented across Kolkata, including Brigade Ground itself. The Kolkata Police deployed additional forces at multiple locations, while surveillance was also maintained from watchtowers to ensure law and order throughout the celebrations.

Eid prayers in Kolkata have been conducted at Red Road twice a year, a practice that gained significant prominence during the previous Trinamool Congress government. Over the years, senior political leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and later Abhishek Banerjee, were often seen attending the congregation. However, in recent political discussions and administrative decisions, questions had emerged regarding whether the namaz would continue at Red Road. Amid this ongoing debate, it was announced from the state administration side that this year the Eid prayers would instead be organised at Brigade Ground.

Developments, reports had also suggested that the Khilafat Committee was informed by the Army that permission for holding namaz at Red Road would no longer be granted due to security considerations. At that time, the then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had reportedly requested the Army to reconsider the decision. It is also worth noting that in the early years of the Left Front government, Eid prayers in Kolkata were held at the Shahid Minar Maidan, but were later shifted to Red Road due to issues such as rain, waterlogging, and muddy conditions affecting the venue.

This year’s Eid in Kolkata marked a notable change in venue and arrangements, while maintaining heightened security and smooth traffic flow across the city.