No Eid prayers will be organised this year on Kolkata’s Red Road. The Indian Army has denied permission to hold the Eid-ul-Zuha congregational Namaz at the traditional venue situated in front of the Eastern Command Headquarters at Fort William, citing “military purpose” as the reason.
The Army officially communicated its decision to both the Kolkata Police and the Calcutta Khilafat Committee, which has been organising the annual Eid gathering for years.
In a letter addressed to the Calcutta Khilafat Committee, a Colonel-rank officer responsible for land under the Headquarters Bengal Sub Area stated: “The permission for conduct of congregational prayer for Eid-Uz-Zoha in general area Red Road on June 7 or June 8 2025 is not granted as the area is required for military purpose.”
As per protocol, the Calcutta Khilafat Committee had applied for permission on May 10 to conduct Eid prayers along the stretch from Netaji Statue to the East Gate entrance of Fort William. The Army replied on May 31, formally declining the request.
Javed Ahmed Khan, Minister of State for Disaster Management and a member of the Calcutta Khilafat Committee, confirmed receipt of the Army’s letter.
“We have received the letter and called a meeting this afternoon at our office on Zakaria Street. The members will discuss the issue and make a decision,” he said.
Notably, Red Road has historically hosted large-scale Eid prayers, often attended by political leaders. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has, in past years, attended and addressed Eid gatherings at this very venue.
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