Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 25: The Muslim community across the coastal districts celebrated the 1501st Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with great enthusiasm and religious fervour on Tuesday. Grand processions and Milad rallies echoing messages of peace and communal harmony were held in various parts of Mangaluru and Udupi.
Grand rally in Mangaluru's Bajal
In Mangaluru, a grand Milad rally was organized jointly by the Bajal Nantur Hayatul Islam Higher Secondary Madrasa, Faisal Nagar Namaul Islam Madrasa, and Shanti Nagar Tarbiyatul Islam Committee.
The event commenced with a prayer (Dua) led by Badriya Juma Masjid khatib Abdul Nasir Saadi. The rally was officially flagged off after president Abdul Rauf hoisted the flag.
Starting from the premises of the Hayatul Islam Higher Secondary Madrasa, the procession passed through the routes of Faisal Nagar, Shanti Nagar, and Pandel. The rally featured attractive Daff, Scout, and flower show performances, enhancing the festive spirit. Sweets and cold drinks were distributed to the participants and the public along the way.
The programme witnessed the presence of Hayatul Islam Higher Secondary Madrasa sadar ustad Abdul Hakeem Madani, Ghousia Juma Masjid khatib Iqbal Nizami, and Tarbiyatul Islam Committee imam Miqdad Hashimi.
Other prominent attendees included Badriya Juma Masjid former president Abbas Haji, vice president Ashraf Karibotpu, Hanif Haji, general secretary Abdul Hameed, former secretary Podiyaka, treasurer Nazeer Pandel, and supervisors Nazeer Bajal and Ashraf Thota. Ghousia Masjid president Abdul Razak Haji, Badriya Juma Masjid joint secretary Muhammad Hanif Kelaginamane, members Iqbal Ahsani, Yusuf Kumblalike, various madrasa presidents, and community elders were also present.
Processions and communal harmony in Udupi
In Udupi taluk, celebrations were marked by large gatherings and processions in several places, including Nejaru, Doddanagudde, Santosh Nagar, and Tonse-Hoode. The processions began from the respective mosques, passed through the main streets, and concluded back at the mosques. Slogans conveying the Prophet’s message, along with Daff performances, Scouts, and madrasa students, were the highlights.
The Sandal procession organized from Doddanagudde Juma Masjid proceeded up to Budagi Store before returning to the mosque. Performances by children’s Scouts and Daira teams were among the major attractions.
A similar Milad rally was held at Santosh Nagar Mosque, with the procession marching up to Ambagilu and back.
A massive Milad procession was organized by the Nejaru Juma Masjid. The rally proceeded from the mosque to Santhekatte and then passed through Kalyanpur and Nidamballi Road, covering a distance of around five kilometres before returning.
A message of brotherhood
The celebrations in Udupi stood out for their display of communal harmony. Along the procession routes, various Hindu organizations and local residents warmly welcomed the participants, distributed refreshments, and extended Milad greetings.
Notable contributions came from the Nejaru Bhajana Mandir, Nejaru Sports Ground, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Association, Chandrashekhar Acharya of Guru Constructions, Nagesh Acharya, and the Kelarkalabettu Babbu Swamy Daivasthana, who all actively distributed sweets and drinks. This heartwarming gesture by the local residents conveyed a strong message of unity and brotherhood in the region.