Mumbai : Elaborate security arrangements were made around mosques, dargahs and cemeteries across the city, as Muslims observed Shab-e- Barat on Monday night.
To ensure that no untoward incident takes place, the trustees of several Muslim organisations and city cops worked in tandem and took every possible preventive steps.
Along with deploying volunteers, installing CCTV cameras around important locations, the religious leaders even took to social media asking youths for a peaceful celebration. As most Muslims men hit the city streets to reach the graveyard to offer prayers, the Mumbai city police and the traffic police ensured that the youngsters did not break any law.
To keep a close eye on mischief mongers, a total of 40 CCTV cameras were installed in Mahim alone with policemen deployed on the streets. The traffic police cordoned off Cadel Road as huge crowds gathered to offer their prayers at Mahim dargah. The BMC too came forward and put up public toilets for those who came to offer their prayers at the Mahim Darga and Haji Ali.
While at Haji Ali, provision was made for people to park their vehicles at Mahalaxmi Race course. For those opting for public transport over private vehicles, special buses were operated from Haji Ali to Dadar, Mahalaxmi to Haji Ali and Mumbai Central to Haji Ali by the BEST undertaking even as special trains for those coming from outskirts of Mumbai were run by the railways. As people in heavy numbers visited Haji Ali, the trustees also arranged for 30 lifeguards along with other volunteers. Deputy Commissioner of Police of Zone-V, Mahesh Patil said, “We have deployed more men as compared to previous years for ensuring that the festival is celebrated in peace.” Also, a special train was run to and fro from Churchgate to Virar at 2.20 am respectively for those returning home late after the prayers.
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What is Shab-e-Barat
Shab-e-Barat is the night when Muslims offer prayers to the departed souls. While visiting the graveyard, women offer prayers at home all night. It is celebrated on 15th day of Shaban which is the month that precedes Ramzan. It is believed that the Almighty opens the annual `Book of Deeds’ for each believer and determines his income as well as life events.
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