The Maharashtra government has officially declared a public holiday on September 29, 2023, in celebration of Eid-e-Milad. This decision was prompted by the unique occurrence of Anant Chaturdashi and Eid-e-Milad falling on the same day, September 28. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s Office, adding to the consecutive state holidays on Thursday and Friday, followed by the weekend, and the upcoming national holiday on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
The decision to declare a public holiday on September 29 was influenced by the All India Khilafat Committee, a prominent religious and social organization. They reached out to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, urging him to consider this holiday to facilitate the coordination of religious events effectively.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office expressed, “The State Govt has declared a public holiday on Friday, 29th Sept on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad.”
Processions are a significant part of the celebrations for both Anant Chaturdashi and Eid-e-Milad in Mumbai and other places. In light of this, the All India Khilafat delegation requested the chief minister to find a solution to manage the processions on both September 28 and 29. The state government has acceded to this request by announcing a government holiday on Friday as well.
Anant Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It is particularly notable as it marks the conclusion of the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, with devotees bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in water.
On the other hand, Eid-e-Milad commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated with prayers, communal feasts, and gatherings.
Given the religious significance and the expectation of processions, Mumbai Police is taking extensive security measures. Over 19,000 personnel, including officers, will be deployed to ensure the safety of participants and maintain law and order during the processions on Anant Chaturdashi and Eid-e-Milad. This security force includes constables, officers, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Additional Commissioners of Police, and other senior officers.
Additionally, 35 platoons of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), a company of the Rapid Action Force, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and Home Guards will be stationed at key locations throughout the city to bolster security measures. These precautions are essential to ensure the smooth and peaceful observance of these religious events in Mumbai.