Palghar: Muslim organisations defer Eid-e-Milad processions for Ganapati visarjan

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Muslim organizations in Palghar, Maharashtra, have chosen to delay their annual Eid-e-Milad processions by one day to ensure peaceful Ganesh immersion processions on September 28, as confirmed by a senior police official.

This year, Eid-e-Milad coincides with Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 10-day Ganesh festival, both falling on September 28. Eid-e-Milad holds significant importance in the Islamic calendar as it commemorates the birth of Prophet Mohammed, observed with vibrant processions. Meanwhile Anant Chaturdashi signifies culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi with visarjan of Ganapati idols. Huge processions are taken out by big pandals.

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Balasaheb Patil, Superintendent of Police (SP) in Palghar, revealed that a meeting was conducted between police officials and Muslim organizations due to the overlapping festivals. The district was scheduled to witness 371 'sarvajanik mandals' and 804 housing societies participating in Ganesh idol immersion processions on September 28, along with 25 processions for Eid-e-Milad, stated a report in PTI.

According to the report, considering the situation, the Muslim representatives decided during the Palghar meeting to postpone the Eid-e-Milad processions to September 29, Patil stated in a release. He commended this decision as a significant gesture of peace and brotherhood between the two communities. This decision is not only inspirational but also aids in maintaining law and order while reducing pressure on the police force, he added.

"In view of this situation, a meeting of the trustees of mosques and some prominent Muslim citizens was held in Palghar, during which the Muslim representatives decided to take out the Eid-e-Milad processions the next day on September 29," Patil said in the statement, according to the PTI report.

"This important decision by Muslims has set an example in the entire Maharashtra and given the message of peace and brotherhood between the two communities. It is an inspiring decision for both Hindus and Muslims. It will go a long way in maintaining law and order and considerably reduce the pressure on the police force," the SP added.

Starting this year, an award will be introduced for the model procession during Eid-e-Milad in the district. Several parameters have been established to determine the recipient of this award; Patil noted.

With PTI inputs