Sholakia hosts no Eid congregation for first time in 270 years

Kishoreganj’s Sholakia will not host any Eid congregation for the first time in nearly 270 years as the country is fighting to prevent the transmission of coronavirus or COVID-19.

Situated on the northern bank of Norsunda River, Sholakia hosted the largest Eid congregation in the country and thousands of devotees from other districts joined them. This year, it was supposed to host the 193rd congregation.

The Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of the Muslims, is scheduled to be celebrated on Monday (May 25).

But everything got changed within a few months due to the outbreak of highly contagious coronavirus. The deadly virus  has forced the district administration to postpone the congregation this time.
 

The decision was taken following the restrictions on Eid congregation imposed by the Islamic Foundation to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

On May 15, the government urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice.

Kishoreganj Eidgah managing committee President and Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Murshed Choudhury confirmed the matter and said the decision was taken in a meeting with Islamic scholars and Religious Affairs Ministry considering the safety of Muslim devotees.

Eid congregations will be held at nearby mosques instead of open spaces in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, the DC said.

Last year, the largest Eid congregation of the country was held at Sholakia Eidgah Maidan with participation of thousands of devotees, he mentioned.


Kishoreganj/SM/AI