Bhopal Ijtima: the Second largest Muslim gathering after Hajj
BHOPAL: The three-day religious congregation of Aalami Tableeghi Ijtima 2011 starting from December 10.
This huge event is considered among the most important events and festivals celebrated in Bhopal. This event is held every year and is accompanied by a gorgeous fair.
Taj-ul-Masjid (Asia’s biggest Masjid build by the Nawab of Bhopal) is the place where the Ijtima was previously held, but now the venue of this congregation has been shifted to Ghasipura, Islamnagar a place in the outskirts of the state capital.
Muslim pilgrims from various countries gather in Bhopal on this occasion. After Hajj this event of Bhopal is probably the second largest gathering of the Muslim community in the world that does not have any political affiliation.
However, Hajj is the biggest gathering of the Islamic nation.
Also the during these three days a gorgeous fair is held near the venue. The local people participate in it with much exuberance. It is said that in the earlier days, during the colonial rule in India, the fair that accompanied Ijtima of Bhopal was popular among the locals because of the clothes that were sold there.
The foreign delegates used to bring many clothes along with them and sell them here at very low prices. After the advent of the media and increasing availability of good quality clothing materials in India the hype that surrounded the trade of the discarded clothes of the foreigners gradually disappeared.
Ijtima held in Bhopal is considered to be one of the largest religious congregations in the world. It carries some of the greatest spiritual messages, not only for the Muslims but also for the non- Muslims around the world.
Jamats (groups of Muslim devotees) reach to Bhopal-capital of Madhya Pradesh from all over the world to participate in the Aalami Tableeghi Ijtima every year. This year at least ten lakh people are coming to participate in the event from the countries like- Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia etc.
News Editor- Naushin Fatima Khan
