Eid al-Adha prayers in Kolkata were held at the Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue on Thursday, under heightened police security. The change followed new measures by West Bengal’s BJP government, which included strict enforcement of the 1950 Livestock Act and a ban on religious gatherings that block public roads. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed outside mosques across the state to maintain order, with large turnouts reported despite visible caution among worshippers.

The relocation of the main Eid congregation marked a departure from past years when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended Red Road prayers and delivered political messages. This year’s event was notably apolitical, with no ministers present. Organizers from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee said attendance was lower than usual, as some people were uncertain about the new arrangements or concerned about livestock restrictions.

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some welcomed the spacious new venue and smoother traffic, while others missed the tradition of Red Road prayers. The government’s new policies and visible security presence reflected a broader shift in the state’s approach to public religious events following the political transition.