Hyderabad gears up for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers; lakhs expected at major Eidgahs

Hyderabad is gearing up for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, with lakhs expected at major Eidgahs, including Mir Alam. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements, while religious scholars highlight the significance of Eidgahs in fostering unity and large congregational prayers.

Hyderabad: Preparations are underway for the smooth conduct of the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at important Eidgahs located in and around the city. The Eid is likely to be celebrated on Saturday in the city.

The biggest gathering will be witnessed at Mir Alam Eidgah, where around 2 lakh people are expected to attend the Eid prayers. The Eidgah was constructed in the early 18th century by the Prime Minister of Hyderabad during the reign of the third Nizam Sikander Jah.

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“The Eidgah was constructed to meet the needs of the growing population of the city then. The royals during the Asafjahi era attended the Eid ul Fitr prayers at Mir Alam Eidgah. Now at least two lakh people attend the Eid prayers at the Eidgah,” said Mohd Safiullah, a renowned historian.

Another popular Eidgah of the city, the ‘Qadeem Eidgah’, located at Madannapet, was constructed during the Qutb Shahi Era and around 50,000 people gather here for the Eid prayers on the festivals. The Eidgah was constructed in the Bahmani style, in the 16th century.

The Telangana Wakf Board officials along with those from other departments visited both the Eidgahs and inspected the arrangements for smooth conduct of the prayers.

“Necessary arrangements are made in coordination with the associated departments. Our officers are coordinating with the agencies to ensure people do not face any problems,” assured Azmathullah Hussaini, TG Wakf Board Chairman.

Arrangements for the prayers are also going on at a brisk pace at the Eidgah-e-Shahi at the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Golconda Road. It is believed to be one of the earliest structures and used for Eid prayers by the Qutb Shahi dynasty rulers. It is located at Ibrahimbagh, Golconda.

The Eid congregational prayers will also be held at Eidgah – e Bilali – Masab Tank, Eidgah Pahadishareef, Eidgah Ibrahimpatnam, Eidgah Guttala Begumpet, Eidgah Balamrai, Mecca Masjid, Shahi Masjid Bagh e Aam, and Jamia Masjid Musheerabad.

Why do Muslims head to Eidgah for Eid prayers?
Mohd Ilyas Shamshi, Khateeb Masjid e Osmania, Sultan Bazaar explains that Eidgah is an open-ground or public prayer area where people perform Eid prayers. The practice nurtures community unity, allows for larger congregations, and symbolizes equality among all.

“Prophet Muhammad generally conducted Eid prayers in an open area—a Musallah or Eidgah making it an established tradition. The large open space allows the entire community, including families, women, and children, to gather together, enhancing the feeling of unity and brotherhood regardless of social status,” he explained.