Kataka: The birthday of Prophet Muhammad was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Kataka on Wednesday, with a grand procession passing through several parts of the city amid elaborate security arrangements.
Members of the Muslim community exchanged greetings on the occasion and offered prayers for peace, happiness and prosperity. Processions organised by various sahi and mohalla committees began assembling at Jobra around 7 am before proceeding towards Qadam Rasul at Dargha Bazar.
Decorative religious structures, including tazias, accompanied the procession, which moved through Howrah Motor, Manisahu Chhak, Buxi Bazar, Mission Road, Odia Bazar, Ganga Mandir and Choudhury Bazar before culminating at Qadam Rasul.
Participants were welcomed and felicitated at several locations along the route by political parties and social organisations, while large crowds gathered at different points to witness the procession.
The police administration made extensive security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations and maintain law and order. Eighteen platoons of police personnel were deployed, while temporary control rooms were established at several strategic locations, including crossings along the route from Dargha Bazar.
The procession received a welcome at Buxi Bazar from leaders of various political parties. Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh, district BJD president Prafulla Singh, Ramzan Khan and Sridevi were among those present from the BJD. Former MLA Mohammad Moquim and Giribala Behera of the Odisha Janata Congress, along with leaders of the BJP and Congress, also extended greetings to members of the Muslim community.
The celebrations concluded peacefully and without any untoward incident, reflecting the city’s longstanding tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood.
