In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has shifted the Eid-e-Milad holiday in Mumbai from September 16 to September 18. This decision was made after local Muslim leaders requested the rescheduling to prevent a conflict with Anant Chaturdashi, which marks the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on September 17.
Community’s Voluntary Decision
An official statement from the state government revealed that the Muslim community in Mumbai had voluntarily chosen to move their Eid-e-Milad processions to September 18. This adjustment allows both festivals to take place without logistical challenges, given that the Ganpati Visarjan, the immersion of Ganesh idols, typically draws massive crowds and is one of the city's most significant events. The proposal for rescheduling was put forward by the Khilafat House in Byculla, a key representative of the Muslim community in the city. Upon approval by the state government, Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan formally reached out to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Khan urged the Chief Minister to officially declare September 18 as the Eid-e-Milad holiday, aligning with the community’s collective decision.
Special Train Services
In parallel, Central Railway (CR) authorities have taken steps to ease travel during this festive period by announcing special suburban train services. Starting from September 14, 22 additional trains will be in service at night until September 18. The Central Railway confirmed that 20 of these services would operate on the main line, while two would be on the harbour line. The special trains on the main line are scheduled to run between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane, as well as CSMT and Kalyan, on the nights of September 14/15, 16/17, and 17/18. On the harbour line, the trains will run between CSMT and Panvel, with services on the night of September 17/18 specifically aimed at supporting the crowds participating in the Ganpati Visarjan.
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