The annual Milad-un-Nabi procession in Hyderabad has been rescheduled to October 1 this year. The decision comes as the original date of September 28 coincides with the Ganesh Visarjan festivities, a period marked by the immersion of over 50,000 Ganesh idols in various lakes across Hyderabad.
Concerns had been raised by Muslim organisations regarding the potential for law and order issues if both events were to proceed simultaneously. Given that the final day of Ganesh idol immersion is expected to see the immersion of more than 20,000 large idols in Hussainsagar Lake, authorities are keen to avoid any complications.
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The Milad-un-Nabi Juloos, an annual procession observed on the 12th day of Rabi ul Awwal to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, was originally expected for September 28. This procession attracts over a lakh participants each year, making it a significant event in Hyderabad’s cultural calendar. The Hyderabad police commissioner convened a meeting earlier this month with the members of the Central Peace Committee to address the potential overlap of the two festivals.
In light of these considerations, the organisers of the annual Milad procession have taken the step of postpone the Juloos. Their decision was motivated by a desire to prevent any misuse of the occasion by anti-social elements that could potentially spark communal tensions.
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According to the revised schedule, the primary Milad procession will commence at noon on October 1, starting from the Mecca Masjid in the old city and crossing through Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Madina Building, Chatta Bazar, Purani Haveli, Mir Alam Mandi, Etebar Chowk, Bibi Bazar, and concluding at Mughalpura for evening prayers.
The organisers, the Markazi Milad Juloos Committee, have issued a statement inviting people from all faiths and backgrounds to participate in the procession. They aim to spread the message of peace and brotherhood, emphasising the importance of unity and communal harmony during these festive times.