No banners, no slogans... but, this ijtema in Karnataka village attracts over 8 lakh Muslims

Mysuru, Jan 30: For the first time in its history a remote village in the South Indian state of Karnataka witnessed a rare sea of humanity that created an atmosphere of serenity and devotion with prayers and self-introspection — without any slogans. And the event was the three day All India Mushavarathi Ijtema hosted by Tablighi Jamaat from Saturday to Monday at Adakanahalli Industrial Area near Kadokola village in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district.

Around eight lakh Muslims from across the country and abroad took part in the mega congregation of the organization which has no connection with any political outfits. Interestingly, the organizers did not use any banners, hoardings and posters to promote the event. However, invitations extended at mosques, especially during Friday congregations, had been successful in attracting an unprecedented number of peaceful devotees.

Organizers said that during the event no slogans were raised to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. No political speeches were made, to ensure that the law and order situation remains under control. Prayers and religious sermons by prominent clerics were the highlight of the event. The organisers had begun preparations at the venue around six months ago.  

Senior ulema from Nizamuddin in New Delhi also attended the ijtema. Hazrat Moulana Ahmed Hussain, Hazrat Moulana Ibrahim Ibrahim Devos and Hazrat Moulana Ahmed Lad Saheb from Gujarat; Hazrat Moulana Dr Khalid Ahmed and Hazrat Moulana Dr Sana Ulla Aligharh from UP; Hazrat Moulana Abdul Rahman Saheb; Hazrat Moulana Farooq Ahmed, Hazrat Moualna Akbar Shariff Shariff from Bengaluru and Hazrat Moulana Mohamed Zaka Ulla Saheb Siddiqui, the president of All India Mili Council of the Mysuru district unit, among others were part of the event.

Separate arrangements had been made for the visiting ulema in a special pandal near the main stage. “The convention was held spread the religious values and message of love and not the communal values and message of hatred. Muslims from various parts of the country, including Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh benefited from the event,” said the organizers.

Minister Tanveer Sait, Nanjangud MLA Kalale Keshvamurthy, and other elected representatives, who attended the convention, expressed delight over the huge gathering. However, they did not get an opportunity to speak .

The organizers who had arranged food and water, supplied it to the visitors at discounted rates. Thousands of volunteers from across the state took care of the participants, served them food, and helped the police to regulate traffic.

The Mysuru city and surrounding areas witnessed heavy traffic congregation from Saturday to Tuesday with traffic jams on all major roads. Though most of the participants returned home after the event, thousands of them visited tourist spots such as Zoo, Palace, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary KRS etc before leaving for their places. Bus stands and railway station also witnessed unprecedented rush for four days.