Sambalpur: There will no mass prayers at Eidgah, on the occasion of ‘Eid-al-fitr, at Sambalpur on Saturday with restrictions still in force in the western Odisha town after the April 12 and April 14 violence.
Members of the minority community agreed not to congregate at the Eidgah for namaz this year as the situation continues to remain volatile, on the request of the district administration at the peace meeting on Thursday. The community will instead offer namaz separately at 10 mosques across the town.
“As large gatherings are not allowed due to the curfew, a decision was taken against holding mass congregation on Eid to ensure public order,” said Sambalpur SP B Gangadhar.
Notably, over 5,000 members of the Muslim community assemble to offer namaz at the Eidgah in Sakhipara area every year during Eid-al-fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation of the Holy Quran in this month.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated across the world on different days and it is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon which is supposed to denote the start of the Shawwal month in the lunar Islamic calendar.
Revenue divisional commissioner (RDC), North Suresh Chandra Dalei, who convened the meeting, said that the situation in Sambalpur was improving gradually.
Members of the Hanuman Jayanti Samanwaya Samiti , however, skipped the meeting. “We will hold a meeting with those who were not present today in the next phase,” the RDC added.
Meanwhile, restrictions due to curfew have been relaxed from 6 am to 6 pm, providing more window period for people to go out of their homes for their daily activities.
