The historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj is all set to host its 199th Eid-ul-Azha congregation this year.
For generations, countless worshippers have been offering Eid prayers at the iconic ground, and many devotees have expressed their determination to attend this year’s congregation despite adverse weather conditions.
Maintaining a tradition spanning nearly two centuries, extensive preparations are taken every year centring the Eid congregation at Sholakia Eidgah. This year too, all necessary arrangements have been completed for worshippers arriving from both local areas and distant districts.
The only Eid congregation at Sholakia will be held at 9am on Eid day.
The district administration has already completed all preparations, including multi-layered security measures for the event. Members of law enforcement agencies will remain deployed throughout the Eidgah and surrounding areas.
As in previous years, two special trains named “Sholakia Special” will operate from Mymensingh and Bhairab on Eid day to facilitate the movement of worshippers coming from distant places.
This year’s Eid prayer will be led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah.
During a visit to the Eidgah on Wednesday afternoon, it was seen that rainwater had accumulated in several parts of the field following overnight rainfall, while light drizzle continued.
However, preparations were ongoing despite the inclement weather. Marking lines for prayer rows in the field had already been completed.
Visitor and worshipper Liaqat Mia said: “My grandfather used to pray in this field, and my father would bring us here for Eid prayers. Now my father is old and not physically well, so I bring my children here. I will come again this Eid.”
Another worshipper, Jamshed Khan, said: “A huge gathering takes place in this field. One never knows whose prayers Allah may accept.”
Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said: “Watch towers, drone cameras, and sufficient CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the Eidgah. Besides police, members of RAB, BGB, and plainclothes law enforcement personnel will ensure multi-layered security across the district town and Eidgah area.”
He also urged worshippers not to carry anything other than prayer mats while entering the Eidgah.
The district administration has arranged ablution facilities and drinking water for worshippers attending the congregation.
Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin said, “Like every year, two special trains named ‘Sholakia Special’ will run from Mymensingh and Bhairab on Eid day for the convenience of worshippers coming from distant places. All necessary facilities for devotees at the Eidgah have already been ensured.”
According to local legend, during the first Eid-ul-Fitr congregation held at the field in 1828, nearly 125,000 worshippers offered prayers together. Since then, the field became known as “Sowalakhiya,” which later evolved into the name “Sholakia.”
