Uttar Pradesh set an example once again as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s request for Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) was met with resounding support. Eid prayers were offered only in designated areas and not on the roads, thus ensuring that the traffic flow remained unobstructed across the state.
Muslim religious leaders backed the chief minister’s appeal, leading to Eid prayers held exclusively at designated Eidgahs and other traditional locations.
In areas where mosques and Eidgahs had limited space, prayers were conducted in different shifts.
Similar was the situation during Eid-ul-Fitr when people responded to the chief minister’s appeal by offering prayers only in mosques and not in open public spaces.
Tight security measures were ensured across the state, including drone surveillance in sensitive areas. Additionally, a heavy police force conducted a flag march a day before the festival to reassure the public about their safety.
CM Yogi had already instructed officials from all districts and senior state-level officers regarding Bakrid preparations. He emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue with religious leaders and other prominent community members to ensure a positive message was conveyed to the public.
He advised senior officers at the police station, circle, district, range, zone, and division levels to hold peace committee meetings and involve the media to maintain an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Additionally, he directed that designated areas for sacrifices be marked in advance and stressed that the sacrifice of banned animals should be strictly prohibited. He also directed for a systematic plan for waste disposal after the sacrifices in every district.
CM Yogi’s instructions and efforts had a positive effect throughout the state, ensuring that no namaz was offered on the roads. According to estimates, this year, namaz was performed at more than 30,000 places across the state, with about 3,000 designated sites where strong security arrangements were made.
Previously, in many cities across the state, millions of people would offer namaz on roads and other places, causing traffic problems. However, as a result of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s call, a new message is being sent across the country, with namaz being peacefully performed in mosques and Eidgahs in every district of the state.
Additionally, with Ganga Dussehra on Sunday, Eid-ul-Azha on Monday, and Bada Mangal on the following day, the UP Police remained on high alert. The proactive approach helped dispel fears of potential disputes, leading to joyful and enthusiastic celebrations reported from all 75 districts.
