Thousands join Markazi Milad Juloos in Hyderabad’s Old City

Thousands participated in the Markazi Milad Juloos in Hyderabad’s Old City on Sunday, celebrating Prophet Mohammed’s birth. Processions, food camps, and community spirit marked the day. Indian and Palestinian flags were seen as police ensured tight security across the city

Hyderabad: Thousands of people participated in the “Markazi Milad Juloos” taken out in the Old City on Sunday to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. The procession slated for September 5 was postponed by a week in view of the Ganesh immersion festival.

Holding flags, youngsters on bikes and in lorries raised slogans in praise of the Prophet Mohammed. Several were seen holding the Indian National flag, while some in support of the Palestinian people were seen carrying the Palestinian flags during the procession.

The main procession started from Charminar and passed through Gulzar Houz, Pathergatti, Madina Building, Nayapul, Darulshifa, Mandi Mir Alam, Alijah Kotla and culminated at Moghalpura.

Several small processions from Falaknuma, Shaheennagar, Vattepally, Bandlaguda, Hafez Babanagar, Hassannagar and other areas joined the main procession. The activity continued till late evening with more youngsters from different parts of the city visiting the Old City in small rallies.

On the procession route, people distributed sweets and biscuits among the children while several food camps were organised for people to have biryani, haleem, and bagara chaval – curry was served. Cutting across religious divisions, several people who were visiting the Old City were invited to the food camps and served food.

The police made elaborate security arrangements by deploying Rapid Action Force, City Police teams, including Quick Response Teams, City Rapid Action Force, and platoons of the City Armed Reserve, assisted the local police and Task Force teams.

Senior police officials, including Additional CP (law and order) Vikram Maan Singh and Additional CP (Traffic ) Joel Davis, were seen moving on foot and monitoring the procession. Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, C V Anand, visited Charminar and monitored the procession.