Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Army Allows Eid Prayers at Kolkata's Red Road After Reversal
The Army initially said no to using Kolkata's Red Road for Eid prayers, citing military use.
The road is owned by the Ministry of Defence.
The Calcutta Khilafat Committee applied for permission as they usually do.
They were first denied.
Then, the Army decided to change their training schedule to allow the prayers after considering the tradition.
Eid prayers on Red Road started in 1919, but were stopped in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.
The West Bengal minister was involved to help resolve the issue.
The Army initially denied permission for Eid prayers on Kolkata's Red Road.
The denial was due to the area being required for "military purposes".
The Calcutta Khilafat Committee applied for permission.
The Army reversed its decision to accommodate the prayers.
Eid prayers have been held at Red Road since 1919, except during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Who
- The Army, the Calcutta Khilafat Committee, and West Bengal minister Javed Ahmed Khan
- What
- The Army's decision to allow Eid prayers at Red Road after initially denying permission.
- When
- Eid al-Adha prayers later this week
- Where
- Kolkata's Red Road (Indira Gandhi Sarani)
- Why
- The Army adjusted its schedule due to the decades-old tradition of Eid prayers being held on the road.
Army Initially
Army Later
Permission for Prayers
Army Initially
Denied permission for prayers due to "military purposes".
Army Later
Decided to alter its training schedule to accommodate the prayers.
- Location
- Kolkata's Indira Gandhi Sarani (Red Road)
- Road Owner
- Ministry of Defence
- Event
- Eid al-Adha prayers
- Tradition Started
- 1919
- Organizer
- Calcutta Khilafat Committee