Indian Army Allows Eid Prayers On Kolkata's Red Road After Discussions With Organisers

Last Updated:June 02, 2025, 23:47 IST

The Indian Army decided to alter its training programme to accommodate namaz on Red Road near Fort William, which has been a long-standing venue for Eid prayers.

Eid-ul-Zuha prayers will take place in Kolkata's Red Road as per tradition. (PTI File Image)

The Indian Army has allowed permission to hold Eid-Ul-Adha prayers on Kolkata’s Red Road – a traditional venue for the event – in respect for the age-old tradition after holding talks with the organisers.

Red Road, located in front of its Eastern Command Headquarters at Fort William, has been the traditional venue for namaz during Eid-Ul-Zuha, drawing large crowds. Every year, the organisers coordinate with the armed forces to hold the prayer gathering at the site.

Earlier, the Indian Army had denied permission for namaz on Red Road, citing “military purpose" as the reason. A pre-scheduled Army programme was set to take place at the same time in the venue.

The Army had also informed the Kolkata Police and the Calcutta Khilafat Committee of its decision. However, after discussions between the Army and the organisers, they decided to allow the namaz to proceed, respecting the age-old tradition.

Army authorities decided to alter their training schedule to accommodate the Eid prayers. West Bengal Minister Javed Ahmed Khan confirmed that things were being sorted out through consultations between the organisers and the defence authorities over issues pertaining to the Army’s own engagements.

The Calcutta Khilafat Committee had applied to the Army on May 10, seeking permission to hold the Namaz from the Netaji Statue to the outer entrance of Fort William’s East Gate on Red Road.

Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has in the past attended and spoken at Eid gatherings held at Red Road, a long-standing venue for Eid prayers over the decades.

Eid ul-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice," is the Islamic holiday that begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, during the Hajj. This year, the festival is likely to be celebrated in India on June 7.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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