Kumar Bahukhandi
Bakrid Festival Concludes Peacefully in Sambhal (Photo credit ANI )
The festival of Bakrid was celebrated in Uttar Pradesh with immense devotion and enthusiasm. From Chandauli to Agra, members of the Muslim community across various districts of the state offered prayers in mosques and Eidgahs. In accordance with the government’s guidelines, no prayers were held on the roads, and strict security arrangements remained in place.
Across various districts of Uttar Pradesh, devotees from the Muslim community offered Bakrid prayers peacefully within the confines of Eidgahs and mosques. To ensure strict adherence to the state government’s rigorous guidelines, police and administrative officials remained on high alert, utilizing drone cameras, CCTV surveillance, and heavy force deployment. Under the supervision of magistrates deployed in Chandauli, Ayodhya, Hapur, Sambhal, Auraiya, Kaushambi, Ghazipur, Firozabad, Sultanpur, Saharanpur, and Agra, open-air sacrifices and prayers on public roads were completely prohibited. Worshippers offered collective prayers for brotherhood, progress, and prosperity in the nation, and amidst the security arrangements, they embraced one another to exchange festival greetings.
Surveillance via Drone Cameras and Adherence to Guidelines in Chandauli
In Chandauli, the festival of Bakrid concluded with great enthusiasm and peace. As dawn broke, people headed toward the Eidgahs and mosques to offer their prayers. Prayers were organized at over 280 designated locations across the district. Imams and worshippers confirmed that all directives issued by the government were followed to the letter. Chandauli SP Akash Patel stated that heavy police forces were deployed at all Eidgahs to maintain security, and a sharp vigil was kept over sensitive areas using drone cameras.
Peaceful Atmosphere and Presence of Senior Officials in Ramnagari Ayodhya
In Ramnagari Ayodhya as well, the festival of Bakrid concluded in a completely peaceful atmosphere. A large number of worshippers gathered at the main Eidgah located in the city’s Civil Lines area and offered their prayers with deep devotion. In compliance with strict directives from the administration, Namaz (prayers) were conducted exclusively within the premises of mosques and Eidgahs. To personally oversee the security arrangements, DM Shashank Tripathi and SSP Dr. Gaurav Grover remained stationed at the sites since early morning. The Municipal Corporation had made comprehensive arrangements for special sanitation and drinking water facilities within the Eidgah premises.
Police on Alert Mode in Hapur; Prayers Held in 57 Mosques
In the Hapur district, the police and administration were observed to be on high alert since early morning in view of the Bakrid prayers. Devotees offered prayers at various scheduled times across approximately 57 mosques—including the city’s main Eidgah—and prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. A heavy police force was deployed at every nook and corner to ensure the security of the entire region. To maintain a robust security cordon, District Magistrate Kavita Meena and Superintendent of Police Kunwar Gyananjay Singh were personally present on the ground, remaining vigilant alongside their teams.
A Beacon of Brotherhood and Official Patrols in Farrukhabad
In Farrukhabad as well, the auspicious festival of Bakrid concluded on a note of peace, tranquility, and mutual brotherhood. Since early morning, large crowds of worshippers began gathering at a total of 229 locations across both the urban and rural areas of the district. Prayers were offered at all Eidgahs and mosques, accompanied by special supplications for the nation’s progress and prosperity. The district’s senior administrative and police officials continuously toured the various areas. The officials extended their festival greetings to the worshippers and appealed to them to uphold mutual harmony.
Surveillance via Integrated Control Room and Zonal System in Sambhal
In the Sambhal district, stringent administrative measures were evident to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the Bakrid prayers. The entire district was divided into 5 zones and 16 sectors, with a Magistrate deployed alongside the police in each sector. Prayers were conducted peacefully at a total of 828 locations across the district, while the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) was performed exclusively at 14 designated sites. In addition to the deployment of three companies of the PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and RRF (Rapid Response Force), sensitive areas with mixed populations were monitored from the Integrated Command and Control Center using over 250 CCTV cameras.
Vigilance on Social Media and Alertness of Officials in Sambhal
Apart from Sambhal DM Ankit Khandelwal and SP KK Bishnoi, the ASP, CO, and SDM were on patrol in the region right from the morning. The administration ensured that no Namaz (prayers) were offered on the roads and that no animal sacrifices were performed in open public spaces. Furthermore, to maintain peace and order, the police’s social media monitoring team kept a sharp watch on the internet for anyone uploading videos of sacrifices or posting inflammatory content. The Intelligence Department was also kept fully active to ensure that any rumors could be immediately nipped in the bud.
Crowds Gather at Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal Shah Eidgah in Auraiya
In the Auraiya district, the festival of Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated with immense devotion and jubilation. Starting early in the morning, thousands of members of the Muslim community arrived to offer prayers at the main Eidgah—located at Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal Shah—under the leadership (Imamat) of City Qazi Abdul Samad Miyan Chishti. After the prayers concluded, supplications were offered for peace and prosperity in the country, and people embraced one another to exchange greetings. Thanks to the vigilance of the district and police administration, robust security arrangements were in place at the Eidgah and in all surrounding areas.
Vigil Maintained Across Four ‘Super Zones’ and Sensitive Areas in Kaushambi
In the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh, the festival of Bakrid was celebrated amidst an atmosphere of brotherhood and harmony. Devotees offered prayers at 84 Eidgahs and 282 mosques across the district. With security arrangements in mind, the district administration had divided the entire district into four ‘super zones’ and 39 sectors. A heavy contingent of police forces, the PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), and administrative officials was deployed across all these sectors. Special vigilance was exercised in areas deemed sensitive, ensuring that the entire festival concluded peacefully.
Prayers Offered at 550 Locations in Ghazipur; Children Receive Toffees
In the Ghazipur district, the festival of Bakrid concluded in a peaceful atmosphere under the supervision of District Magistrate Anupam Shukla and Superintendent of Police Dr. Eraj Raja. According to the District Magistrate, prayers were offered at a total of 550 locations across the district, including approximately 350 mosques and 150 Eidgahs. Visiting the main Eidgah located in the city’s Visheshwarganj area, both senior officials extended their festival greetings to the worshippers and distributed toffees among the children present. In strict adherence to government directives, no prayers were offered on public roads anywhere in the district, nor were any ritual sacrifices performed in open public spaces.
Political Parties Set Up Tents in Firozabad; Officials Take Charge
In Firozabad—the “City of Glass”—the festival of Bakrid was celebrated on Thursday with traditional harmony. Prayers were offered at approximately 300 locations across the district, including the main Eidgah situated at Gandhi Park in the city. The District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police were personally present on the ground to oversee security arrangements. On this occasion, various political parties also set up tents to welcome the worshippers. Superintendent of Police Aditya Langhe clarified that, in accordance with government guidelines, offering prayers on public roads remained strictly prohibited, and robust arrangements were put in place to ensure this.
Bustle at the Royal Mosque of the Taj Mahal in Agra; Free Entry for Tourists
A special festive atmosphere was witnessed at the Royal Mosque—located within the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World—on the occasion of Bakrid. Early in the morning, hundreds of worshippers offered prayers within the historic complex and prayed for the well-being of the nation. For security purposes, personnel from the Police and the CISF remained deployed, while the area was kept under surveillance using CCTV and drone cameras. On this special occasion, a special concession was granted to domestic and international tourists, allowing them free entry into the Taj Mahal between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM—a facility that visitors took full advantage of.
Prayers Concluded Under Magisterial Supervision in Saharanpur and Sultanpur
In Saharanpur, DIG Abhishek Singh—along with various other senior officials—inspected the Eidgahs and monitored every activity via a control room utilizing CCTV cameras. Meanwhile, in Sultanpur, approximately 123 magistrates were deployed to ensure strict adherence to the government’s guidelines.
