Under a blanket of heightened vigilance, Lucknow celebrated Eid with massive prayer gatherings at its iconic Eidgahs. The festival, confirming the end of Ramadan after Friday’s moon sighting, drew huge crowds despite elaborate safety arrangements throughout Uttar Pradesh.
At Aishbagh Eidgah, a sea of around 50,000 worshippers performed the special Eid namaz, adhering to directives from Maulana Khalid Rashid. The cleric, from the Islamic Centre of India, specifically appealed against roadside prayers, promoting mosque-based observances and guideline compliance.
Festival security was paramount, with police forces reinforced in vulnerable areas. Continuous monitoring via CCTV, traffic rerouting on multiple paths, and deployment of additional battalions ensured unhindered access and tranquility during prayers.
Minister Danish Azad Ansari described Eid as a pivotal occasion for Muslims, celebrating the peaceful prayers witnessed nationwide. Opposition figure Ajay Rai captured the spirit of festivity, where communities shared hugs and propagated harmony across borders.
Western Zone DCP Vishwajeet Srivastava outlined the comprehensive force augmentation at prime sites like Aishbagh: two additional SPs, four DSPs, eight PAC companies, two RF units, plus local policing. This meticulous setup allowed thousands to pray securely, reflecting the administration’s commitment to festive safety.