Eid prayers in Kolkata will no longer be held at Red Road, marking the end of a long-standing tradition, as the state administration has designated the Brigade Parade Ground as the new venue for the annual congregation. While the exact origins of holding Eid prayers at Red Road remain debated, there is broad agreement that the event gained significant political and social prominence during the tenure of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had made her presence at the gathering a regular feature, often appearing on the Red Road stage with her head covered, a visual that became synonymous with Eid celebrations in the city. In recent years, she was also accompanied by her political successor and nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.
However, the political landscape has since changed, with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm of the state government following the TMC’s defeat in the Assembly elections. The shift in venue, though, is not solely attributed to the change in administration.
Red Road falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Army, and any large-scale event in the area requires prior approval from Fort William authorities. According to Army sources, the Khilafat Committee — the primary organiser of the Eid prayers — had been informed last year that permission for holding the congregation at Red Road could not be granted in the future due to strategic security considerations. An exception was made last year after a special request from the then Chief Minister.
With no such request forthcoming this year, the state government has stepped in to ensure arrangements for the prayers continue without disruption. Upholding citizens’ constitutional right to practice religion freely, Nabanna has facilitated an alternative venue deemed suitable for accommodating a large gathering.
Officials confirmed that organisers, including the Khilafat Committee, have been notified in advance to make necessary preparations at the Brigade Parade Ground. A senior administrative official said that the venue has previously hosted several large-scale events across different governments, including major religious gatherings.
The administration has assessed factors such as law and order, crowd management, and traffic logistics before finalising the Brigade Parade Ground as the most practical and secure location for this year’s Eid prayers, ensuring continuity of the tradition in a new setting.
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