Mumbai celebrates Eid-e-Milad

Pakistan Telegraph (IANS) Sunday 5th February, 2012

Homes, mosques, dargahs and madrassas were decked with flags and banners as Muslims across the city Sunday celebrated Eid-e-Milad, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, with prayers and enthusiasm.

The day, considered to be the most blessed in the Islamic calendar, saw many Muslims and community organisations holding Eid-e-Milad meetings, where preachers spoke of the significance of celebrating the Prophet's birthday.

The area near Minara Masjid on Mohammed Ali Road in south Mumbai, known for its delicious food, wore a festive look as not just the mosques, but even shops were decorated.

Muslims offered mass prayers and greeted each other on the occasion, as people of all ages took part in the festival and prayed for peace and harmony.

A big rally of Muslims singing songs started from Khilafat House in Byculla in south-central Mumbai and travelled through the Muslim pockets of the area. It was led by Muslim scholar Maulana Abdul Kadar Alvi.

Another rally started from Ghatkopar in central Mumbai and culminated in Vikhroli in central Mumbai. This rally, led by Maulana Izhar Ahmed Barkati, also saw its participants sing 'qawwalis' in praise of the Prophet.

Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan extended their greetings to the people on the occasion.

"Eid-e-Milad, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed is the day of thanks giving and praising the Almighty. It is an occasion to renew our commitment to values like tolerance, forgiveness and compassion for the less privileged, preached and practised by the Prophet," Sankaranarayanan said."

This festival is celebrated to honour the birth and also the death of Prophet Mohammed. Coincidentally, the birth and death of Prophet Mohammed falls on the same day, and hence, instead of celebrating the day in a grand manner, people indulge themselves mostly in religious and social activities.