Mumbai's Haji Ali and Mahim dargahs cancel Eid shamiana

MUMBAI: The iconic Sufi shrines, Haji Ali and Mahim Dargahs, have cancelled their scheduled setting up of the massive Shamiana Lounge at J J Hospital Junction on September 19. The managing trustee of Mahim and Haji Ali Dargahs, Sohail Khandwani, said that the plan has been shelved as Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions will be on September 18, by when it is not possible logistically to erect the massive tent called Shamiana Lounge.

"Initially, we had planned to put up the Shamiana on September 16, which is the Prophet's birthday. In light of Ganesh Chaturthi visarjan on September 17, Muslim religious leaders and activists have shifted the processions to September 18. We had hoped it would be on September 19, but since the visarjan takes place till late, it is not logistically possible to erect such a massive pandal in such a short time, and we are deferring it to the next year," said Khandwani.