
Katiadi (Kishoreganj) Correspondent:
The holy Eid-ul-Fitr congregation was held peacefully at the historical Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj, the largest in the country, breaking the previous record with the presence of more than six lakh worshippers.
The historic Sholakia Eidgah Maidan turned into a sea of ââpeople before dawn. More than six lakh worshippers participated in the country's largest and oldest Eid congregation this time - which is being seen as one of the largest gatherings in recent times.
The 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation, held at 10 am on Saturday (March 21), was led by Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, Khatib of the city's Borabazar Jame Mosque. The congregation was conducted peacefully amidst religious solemnity and tight security.
Deputy Commissioner and Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee President Mohammad Aslam Mollah said that this year's congregation was unprecedented with the participation of lakhs of worshippers from home and abroad.
He said that the largest number of devotees attended this year's congregation. The congregation was held peacefully with all kinds of security provided by the administration.
A stream of people heading to Kishoreganj has been seen since the day before Eid. In addition to the 64 districts of the country, devotees from various upazilas flocked to this historic Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in droves. Some at relatives' houses, some at mosques, and many spent the night under the open sky just for the desire to offer Eid prayers together.
As soon as morning came, the Eidgah Maidan was filled to the brim. Unable to find space, devotees stood in queues on the surrounding roads, rooftops of buildings, and even on the banks of the Narsunda River to offer prayers.
According to the tradition of Sholakia, 10 minutes before the start of the congregation, 5 blank shotgun rounds were fired three times in succession, 5 minutes before 5 minutes, 3 before 5 minutes, and 1 minute before two, giving the signal to stand up for the congregation. After the prayers, special prayers were offered for the peace and progress of the country and the Muslim Ummah, and especially for the Muslims of Palestine.
This gathering of Sholakia is not just a prayer, but has become a unique symbol of brotherhood, unity and faith. State Minister for the Ministry of Jute and Textiles, Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-6 constituency Md. Shariful Alam, Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-1 constituency Md. Mazharul Islam and local dignitaries participated in the congregation.