PUNE: For the first time in the city, the Eid-e-Milad procession will be organized in the morning instead its usual evening slot, mainly to avoid traffic congestion.Scholars have decided to organize the procession — marking Prophet Muhammad’s birth — from 9am to 2pm on November 21. The procession was traditionally held from 2pm to 11pm.It features floats depicting the kaba and the Prophet’s tomb, besides social messages like “save water” and “save the girl child”. A large number of children participate in the procession. People from all communities distribute snacks and refreshments.The procession starts from Manusha Masjid in Nana Peth and goes through Qureshinagar, M G Road and Sarbatwala Chowk in Camp and Laxmi Road, from via Quarter Gate, and will culminate at Shantranjiwala Chowk.“Eid-e-Milad is celebrated all over the world in the morning because the prophet was born before sunrise. The Ulemas (scholars) came together and took this historic decision after consulting the community members to prevent skipping prayers. (This) also will prevent traffic congestion in peak hours,” Maulana Abdul Rehma Misbahi, a scholar, said.“Lakhs of people participate in the procession in the evening. The number will come down in the morning. Our community members have welcomed the decision and pledged to participate in large numbers. We are holding talks with people opposed to the decision. The procession will send a message to people from all the communities that we love the Prophet,” he said.Renowned educationist Salat Baig expressed apprehension over the afternoon heat taking a toll on the participants, especially children. “The hot sun in the afternoon can expose them to sunstroke and other illnesses, such as fatigue. Morning hours can be tried as an experiment, if it fails, we can be revert to the evening slot,” Baig said.Hafiz Taslim Muhammad Shaikh, who is associated with mosques and madrasas in the city, said a morning procession will go a long way in easing traffic congestion.“We welcome the decision ... but youths and social service organization are disappointed because they were not consulted. We will meet the police commissioner on Monday and request him to allow us to take out the procession on the main roads after 2pm,” Munawar Qureshi, founder-president of the All India Muslim Front, said.“The decision is correct, but senior members from the community should take the youths into confidence and arrive at a consensus, as it will send a strong message to other communities that we are united and that we love the prophet,” Zakir Shaikh, president of All India Quami Tanzeem (western Maharashtra ) said.“The Seerat committee, Azam Campus and Khadki groups have agreed to the morning and afternoon timings. The other groups, who want to take out the procession in the evening, may do it in their own areas,” deputy commissioner of police (special branch) Ashok Morale said.“The community has taken a significant decision to take out the procession in the day. They have assured us no DJs will perform, though we have issued permission to use loudspeakers,” Morale added.

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