Eid-e-Milad Procession in Navi Mumbai May Be Postponed Due to Ganesh Visarjan Overlap
Navi Mumbai, 7th September 2024: The Eid-e-Milad procession in Navi Mumbai, celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birth, might be postponed by a day if it coincides with the final day of the Ganpati festival. Imam Mohammad Khalilullah Subhani from Garib Nawaz Masjid announced the potential change during a peace meeting hosted by Navi Mumbai Police at the Marathi Sahitya Hall in Vashi on Thursday.
The meeting brought together officials from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), public works, fire departments, Ganesh mandals, and Muslim community clerics.
“To maintain harmony during the festivities, the Eid-e-Milad procession will likely be rescheduled due to its overlap with Ganesh Visarjan,” said Imam Subhani. A decision will be finalized after a discussion at Khilafat House in Byculla, followed by an official announcement.
Ganpati festival’s final day is on September 17, while Eid-e-Milad is expected on September 16, pending the moon’s sighting.
Iqbal Kaware, a community leader present at the meeting, added that many Ganesh festival activities occur on the ninth day, suggesting that refraining from the celebration on that day would further ensure peace.
The Eid-e-Milad procession in Navi Mumbai typically starts from Turbhe, passing through Vashi and Koparkhairane, and ending at Ghansoli Dargah. For the second consecutive year, the Muslim community has volunteered to adjust the procession to promote communal harmony.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Pankaj Dahane praised the Muslim community’s decision, noting, “This gesture reflects the unity and peaceful coexistence of communities. Navi Mumbai continues to set an example in ensuring peaceful festival celebrations.”
Hindu representatives also welcomed the move, recognizing that while it would be ideal for both communities to celebrate together, the rescheduling would help prevent any potential conflicts.
Nilesh Patil, president of the Agri Koli Youth Foundation, applauded the Muslim community’s gesture, emphasizing that formalizing this decision could further strengthen the bond between the communities.
