Heavy rain and dark clouds had covered the skies of Kishoreganj for several consecutive days. Although the weather remained relatively calm on Eid morning, a downpour began shortly after the congregation started.
Ignoring the rain, however, one of the country’s largest Eid congregations was held at the historic Sholakia Eidgah, where the 199th Eid-ul-Azha prayer took place on a wet and muddy field.
From early morning, worshippers began arriving at the Eidgah in groups despite the rain. Some wore raincoats, others carried umbrellas, and many covered themselves with plastic sheets to join the prayers. Although mud and water covered much of the ground, attendance remained high.
For security reasons, only prayer mats and mobile phones were allowed inside the field.
Following long-standing tradition, signals for the prayer were given by firing three shotgun rounds 15 minutes before the congregation, two rounds 10 minutes earlier and one round five minutes before the start.
The prayer began at 9am and was led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah. Special prayers were offered afterward, seeking peace, unity, and prosperity for the country, the nation, and the Muslim Ummah.
Keeping in mind the 2016 militant attack, authorities once again enforced strict security measures this year. Despite the rain-soaked field and surrounding areas, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), hundreds of police personnel, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Armed Police Battalion, and Ansar members remained deployed. Intelligence agency members also carried out duties in the rain.
In addition, a bomb disposal unit inspected the entire venue to ensure security. CCTV cameras and watchtowers were installed throughout the Eidgah grounds.
Despite the adverse weather, two special trains were operated to facilitate worshippers’ travel — one from Bhairab and another from Mymensingh to Sholakia. Thousands still made their way to the Eidgah, braving rain and slippery roads.
Among those attending the congregation were Kishoreganj-1 lawmaker Mohammad Mozharul Islam, senior administrative officials, and political leaders.
Md Alauddin, a resident of Nandail upazila in Mymensingh, said he has been offering Eid prayers at Sholakia for the last 12 consecutive years and came this year as well despite the rain.
“Even if it rains, I never miss prayers at Sholakia. The feeling here is different,” he said.
Ali Akbar from Kuliarchar arrived on a bicycle through the rain and said, “Whether rain or sunshine, the peace of offering prayers here is unmatched.”
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mizabe Rahmat said: “Despite the adverse weather, we completed all preparations. With the cooperation of worshippers, the congregation was held peacefully.”
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said: “Despite the rain and challenges, security arrangements remained intact. It was a successful arrangement."
Located on the eastern edge of Kishoreganj town beside the Narsunda River, Sholakia Eidgah was established in 1750. According to local accounts, around 125,000 worshippers offered prayers there together in 1828. The name “Sholakia” is believed to have originated from the Bengali phrase “Sowa Lakh” (one hundred and twenty-five thousand).