Pune: Eid-e-Milad Procession Deferred to September 21 Due to Ganesh Visarjan

Pune, 8th September 2024: The Seerat Committee in Pune has decided to postpone the Eid-e-Milad procession, originally scheduled for September 16, to September 21. The decision was made to avoid overlapping with the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations, which culminate on Anant Chaturdashi on September 17. Many Ganesh mandals start assembling on Laxmi Road a day before the official immersion, creating the potential for congestion.

The committee has also enforced restrictions on the use of DJs, music, dancing, and fireworks during the Eid-e-Milad procession, in line with Islamic customs.

Rafiuddin Shaikh, General Secretary of the Seerat Committee, said on Saturday, “The Muslim community will celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in mosques and other places on September 16. However, at the request of the Pune police, the procession will now take place on September 21, between 9 am and 2 pm, to avoid any law and order issues. Both the Ganesh Visarjan and Eid-e-Milad processions follow similar routes, and this adjustment will help maintain peace.”

Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar acknowledged the community’s cooperation, stating, “We met with community leaders and requested a postponement of the Eid-e-Milad procession due to Ganesh Visarjan. We are grateful for their understanding. This decision is a significant step in promoting communal harmony.”

Community leader Haji Zakir Shaikh emphasized that the ban on DJs, dancing, and fireworks is consistent with Islamic values. However, Munawar Qureshi, founder president of the Indian Muslim Front, expressed concerns, saying, “The committee made the decision without consulting local Muslim groups or mandals. Some groups are currently in discussions with the police to request permission for individual processions.”

This postponement aims to maintain peace and cooperation between the two communities during their respective religious festivities.