Eid-ul-Adha Celebrations in Madhya Pradesh: Guidelines, Security, and Community Efforts Madhya Pradesh authorities have issued detailed guidelines for the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) amid heightened security measures and administrative coordination. The state’s Waqf Board has emphasized the importance of adhering to specific protocols to ensure the festival is observed peacefully, with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and compliance with local regulations. Over 200 police personnel have been deployed across key areas, including Bhopal, to manage crowds and prevent any disruptions during the religious observances. The Waqf Board has explicitly instructed the Muslim community to avoid offering Eid prayers on roads or public spaces, urging them to conduct the rituals exclusively in designated mosques and Eidgahs. This directive aims to mitigate potential conflicts and ensure orderly gatherings. In Bhopal, the police have stationed additional forces around religious sites, including mosques, Eidgahs, and dargahs, to maintain law and order. The administration has also advised local authorities to inform them of any areas anticipating large crowds, enabling proactive arrangements for crowd management and infrastructure support. Eid prayers in Bhopal have been scheduled at multiple locations with specific timings to accommodate the community. The main Eidgah will host prayers at 6:30 AM, followed by additional sessions at Jama Masjid (6:45 AM), Taj-ul-Masajid (7:00 AM), Moti Masjid (7:15 AM), and Arif Nagar (7:30 AM). Further prayers will be held at Masjid Khwani in MP Nagar at 8:30 AM. In the BHL area, timings include 7:00 AM at Jama Masjid Piplani and Masjid Salami Gautam Nagar, with subsequent sessions at Masjid Barkheda (7:30 AM) and Masjid Habibganj (7:45 AM).#madhya_pradesh #bhopal #jama_masjid #waqf_board #eidgah
The government is committed to the welfare of minorities. Rajya Sabha Minister K. Achennaidu emphasized the government's dedication to minority welfare during an iftar event held in Hyderabad on March 18, 2026. The gathering, organized by the Andhra Pradesh Minority Welfare Department, took place at a private function hall on Jadeepur Road. Speaking at the event, Achennaidu highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Jama Masjid and assured that the state budget allocates annual funds for minority welfare, including honorariums, education, and healthcare initiatives. Collector Swarnil Dinakar extended greetings for Ramadan, while MLA Gondu Shankar reiterated the government's role as a minority-focused administration. Attendees included Assistant Collector Prithviraj Kumar, Deputy Revenue Officer Lakshman Murthy, Revenue Officer Sai Prathyush, Minority Welfare Department official Mahbubur Rahman, and Muslim community leaders such as S.K. Nizam, Bahadur Bashah, Mahmud Yasmin, and Haji Amirul Islam. The event also featured discussions on promoting normal deliveries, infrastructure development through central and state funds, job opportunities for youth via a job calendar, and support for unemployed individuals. Additional news highlights included a youth fatality from a road accident, arrests related to sexual assault, and a murder case involving alcohol-fueled violence.#jama_masjid #rajya_sabha_minister #andhra_pradesh_minority_welfare_department #jadeepur_road #minority_welfare_department
Saudi Arabia Hosts Communal Iftar for Over 1,500 at Jama Masjid During Ramzan Saudi Arabia organized a large communal iftar for more than 1,500 fasting worshippers at the historic Jama Masjid in New Delhi as part of its international Ramzan initiatives. The event was coordinated by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance through the Saudi Embassy in India under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ iftar programme. Worshippers gathered in the mosque’s courtyard before sunset, where meals were distributed ahead of the Maghrib prayer. The initiative aimed to support fasting individuals and promote the spirit of unity and generosity associated with the holy month of Ramzan. The gathering was attended by the mosque’s imam and preacher, Ahmed Al-Bukhari, along with Islamic scholars and community representatives. Attendees praised the initiative, commending the Saudi government for its efforts to serve global Muslim communities. They highlighted how such humanitarian programs underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to Islamic and charitable activities while fostering solidarity and cooperation among people. Jama Masjid, built in 1656 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, remains one of India’s largest and most prominent mosques, attracting thousands of worshippers daily, especially during Ramzan. Saudi Arabia regularly organizes similar iftar events in multiple countries each year to support Muslim communities and strengthen bonds during the sacred month.#saudi_arabia #jama_masjid #ministry_of_islamic_affairs #ahmed_al_bukhari #shah_jahan
Old Delhi iftars revive Mughal heritage, one course at a time On a rooftop in Delhi’s historic walled city, guests from across India and abroad gather on cushions around a low table overlooking Jama Masjid, waiting for the sunset call to prayer — a signal to begin a special iftar that transports them back four centuries to the Mughal era. The event, known as Dastarkhwan-e-Jahaanuma, has been held in Old Delhi since 2017, blending culinary traditions with cultural storytelling to honor the Mughal legacy. The Mughals, who ruled the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th centuries, drew from Arab, Persian, and Ottoman traditions while integrating them with local Indian styles. This fusion is evident in the architecture of Jama Masjid, one of the most iconic Mughal structures, which serves as a backdrop for the curated iftars. Each gathering brings together 40 to 50 people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity through shared meals and experiences. Participants describe the event as a unique blend of history, food, and community. Arvind Sirohi, who attended with his wife, praised the “amazing storytelling, amazing food” and the “beautiful ambience” of the setting. Veena Sirohi highlighted the event’s role in bridging cultures, noting how it “synthesizes different cultures” and emphasizes the shared human experience. The iftar features dishes that reflect Mughal culinary heritage, such as mutanjan — fragrant rice cooked with ghee, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and nuts — and shabde, a rich meat stew or Delhi biryani. The meal concludes with nihari, a hearty stew simmered overnight, traditionally enjoyed by Mughal royals.#jama_masjid #old_delhi #dastarkhwan_e_jahaanuma #abu_sufiyan_khan #ayandrali_dutta
Raunaq-e-Ramzan: Midnight feasts light up Delhi's food streets Delhi becomes a bustling hub of nocturnal activity during Ramzan, with markets and food streets alive from dusk until dawn as residents gather for sehri, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins. Iconic dishes like Kebab Paratha, Nihari, and Sheermal are enjoyed alongside sweet treats such as Ras Malai and Pheniyan, offering a rich culinary experience that sets the tone for the day’s fast. The city’s food lanes, particularly around Jama Masjid and Zakir Nagar, remain vibrant through the night, with vendors calling out orders and sizzling grills releasing plumes of smoke. The streets buzz with energy as rozedars, or fasting individuals, prepare for another day of abstinence, indulging in hearty meals filled with rich delicacies, snacks, and milk-based desserts before daybreak. Bazar Matia Mahal near Jama Masjid becomes a focal point, where stalls serve traditional fare alongside modern twists. For instance, Kunafa-e-Ishq in this area has gained popularity for its international desserts like baklava and cheesecake, blending Turkish flavors with local tastes. Nihari, a slow-cooked stew made with braised red meat, is a staple for sehri, often paired with tandoori roti, thinly sliced ginger, and a squeeze of lemon. Its creamy texture and deep flavors make it a favorite among North Indians. Similarly, Sheermal, a sweetened bread topped with dry fruits, complements curries and keema, offering a perfect balance of flavors. Ras Malai, a spongy dessert made from chhena (cottage cheese) and soaked in sweet milk and saffron, adds a delicate finish to the meal without overshadowing the main dishes. The late-night atmosphere is further enhanced by the presence of Pheniyan, a traditional milk-based dessert, which is considered an essential part of a sehri experience.#delhi #jama_masjid #zakir_nagar #matia_mahal #abu_sufiyan
