The Seerat Committee in Pune has decided to postpone the Eid-e-Milad procession, which celebrates Prophet Muhammad's birthday on Sept 16, to Sept 21 due to the Ganesh visarjan festivities. Several mandals begin lining up on Laxmi Road a day before the scheduled immersion, even though Anant Chaturdashi falls on Sept 17. The Committee has also banned the use of DJs, dancing, and music during the Eid-e-Milad procession in order to maintain decorum and respect for the occasion.
"The Muslim community will mark the Prophet's birthday in mosques and other venues on Sept 16. However, at the request of the Pune police, the Eid-e-Milad procession will now take place on Sept 21 between 9 am and 2 pm to prevent any potential issues related to law and order, particularly as both Hindu and Muslim communities use the same route for immersion and procession," explained Rafiuddin Shaikh, the Committee's general secretary.
Amitesh Kumar, the City Police Commissioner, expressed gratitude towards the community for agreeing to postpone the procession, emphasizing that this decision would promote communal harmony. Haji Zakir Shaikh, a community leader, supported the Committee's decision to restrict certain celebratory activities during the procession, aligning with Islamic traditions that advocate for a solemn observance of the Prophet's birthday and the dissemination of his teachings.
Munawar Qureshi, the founder president of the Indian Muslim Front, raised concerns about the lack of consultation with Muslim groups or mandals before the decision to postpone the procession was made public. He highlighted logistical challenges in organizing a morning procession, as significant preparations are needed to decorate the mandals. This move mirrors a previous initiative by the Committee, aiming to achieve..."In the past, attempts were made to organize a procession without success. The leaders of various groups are currently in discussions with the police to obtain approval for hosting separate processions in their designated areas from 2 pm to 12 am."
