Kolkata's Eid-ul-Adha namaz has shifted from the traditional Red Road venue to the Brigade Parade Ground following a West Bengal government decision [1, 2].
The move represents a significant change in the city's religious geography, as Red Road has historically served as the primary site for these large-scale congregations. The shift ensures that the prayers can proceed while adhering to new state restrictions on public gatherings.
The West Bengal government prohibited large gatherings on Red Road for Bakrid and Eid-ul-Adha [1, 2]. Officials said the need for improved crowd management and the maintenance of traffic flow were primary drivers for the prohibition. The decision forced organizers and the Kolkata Police to coordinate a new location to accommodate the worshippers.
Preparations at the Brigade Parade Ground were reported as underway on May 27, 2024 [1]. The venue was selected to ensure the safety and orderly movement of the thousands of attendees expected for the holiday. Local authorities have been working to set up the necessary infrastructure to support the transition from the street-based layout of Red Road to the open field of the parade ground.
While the government mandate drove the initial change, weather conditions also played a role in the final logistical planning [2]. Some early reports indicated the shift was contingent on weather permitting, though subsequent updates confirmed the move to the parade ground for the May 28, 2024, congregation [1, 2].
The coordination between the Kolkata Police and Eid organizers was essential to mitigate potential congestion in the city center. By moving the event to a dedicated ground, the city aims to avoid the total gridlock that often accompanies large prayers on major arterial roads.
“Eid-ul-Adha namaz has been shifted this year from Red Road to Brigade Parade Ground”
The relocation of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers highlights a growing tension between traditional religious practices and urban management in Kolkata. By prioritizing traffic flow and crowd control over historic venue usage, the West Bengal government is signaling a stricter approach to public space regulation during major festivals, potentially setting a precedent for other large-scale gatherings in the city.
