Friday mosque prayers in shifts to avoid crowding, toe govt line

Kolkata: In the wake of the newly elected BJP govt's emphasis on keeping carriageways clear during religious gatherings, mosques across Kolkata will begin holding prayers in two separate jamats, or shifts, with staggered timings from this week (Friday) to ensure worshippers can offer prayers within the mosque premises and prevent spillover on to roads.The mosques said arrangements have been made in coordination with local police stations and community members to manage crowds during Friday prayers. Although no formal govt notification has been issued, several mosque committees said local police stations have orally conveyed instructions requesting that roads and major crossings remain free of congestion during prayer hours."We will have Friday prayers in two separate jamats, scheduled at 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., to ensure that all worshippers are able to offer prayers comfortably within the mosque premises. The decision has been taken to avoid overcrowding and to ensure that no congregation spills onto public roads or thoroughfares. We appeal to everyone to cooperate with the authorities," said Nasser Ebrahim, a trustee of the Nakhoda Mosque in Zakaria Street.Several mosques in the Rajabazar and Narkeldanga areas are also expected to conduct prayers in two shifts. "There are several mosques in the Rajabazar and Narkeldanga areas, with Jama Masjid Rajabazar among the largest, attracting a significant number of worshippers every Friday. In view of the situation, arrangements have been made to hold prayers in two separate shifts in Jama Masjid Rajabazar so that everyone can offer namaz comfortably within the mosque premises without overcrowding," said Umar Awais, convenor of the Citizen Forum for Social Justice. The Abu Bakar Mosque on Marquis Street will also hold Friday prayers in two shifts. The mosques in several neighbourhoods, including Royd Street, Beniapukur, Kidderpore, Mominpore, Topsia and Park Circus, said worshippers were being encouraged to attend staggered congregations.Similar arrangements would also be made in neighbouring districts. "We will be conducting Friday prayers in two separate jamaats so that worshippers can offer namaz peacefully. We request everyone to cooperate with the administration and follow the arrangements," said Maulana Rashid Ahmed, imam of Jama Masjid in Shibpur.Residents and mosque committee members said during the prayers last Friday that many worshippers voluntarily moved to nearby mosques after finding local mosques full. Traffic movement across most parts of the city remained normal during prayer hours, with the main carriageways around the mosques remaining open.