The 72nd Aalmi Tablighi Ijtema, one of the biggest annual Islamic religious congregations of the world, commenced in Bhopal on Friday with the expectation of participation of over 10 lakh devotees during the four-day event.
Jamaats (groups of participants) from 35 countries are expected to participate in the huge gathering being held at Eintkhedi on the outskirts of Bhopal. Massive arrangements including security and civic amenities are in place for the Ijtema.
This year, the Ijtema would be plastic and polythene-free and a no-waste zone. On this count, it is aiming to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the biggest no-waste, no-polythene event, the organisers have said.
Groups from England, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Turkey, Vietnam, Russia, Cambodia, Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, Nepal, Iran and other countries have arrived for the congregation.
The Ijtema commenced with morning prayers followed by religious discourses and in the evening about 400 Ijtemai Nikaahs (marriages) were solemnised. Throughout the four-day event, religious discourses would be held and religious teachings imparted with aim of making people walk the path of righteousness.
The first congregation was held in 1948 with merely 13 people. Earlier, it was held on the premises of the Tajul Masajid, one of the biggest mosques in Asia. About 15 years ago, it was shifted to the outskirts of Bhopal as the number of participants burgeoned over the years.
On the eve of commencement of the Ijtema, the in-charge minister of Bhopal, Govind Singh, assured that a permanent land for Ijtema would be given soon.
Security arrangements
Four-layer security, traffic arrangements and lodging and boarding arrangements have been made on the venue of Ijtema as well as around Bhopal in view of the annual event. This year a mobile app has also been launched for facilitation of the participants.
About 200 CCTV cameras and 2000 jawans have been stationed at the venue and various places. The security personnel include those from local police, home guards, RAF, SAF and others. Bomb disposal squad and dog squad along with ambulances and fire brigade are also stationed.
