Inside Bhopal’s 600-acre Ijtema: 7 lakh devotees, 300 nikahs, 240 food stalls

The 78th Aalmi Tablighi Ijtema in Bhopal witnessed nearly seven lakh participants from across India and abroad by Sunday evening, organisers reported. The overall attendance is expected to exceed one million by the conclusion on Monday morning. (Photo credit: Moeed Faruqui)

The congregation, which began on Friday, will conclude with a grand ‘dua’ (prayer) for peace and harmony on Monday. The final session is scheduled to begin around 10 am, after which participants will start leaving the venue.

On the first day, 300 nikahs were conducted at the venue according to tradition. Maulana Yusuf guided the newlywed couples on the expected conduct and responsibilities after marriage.

A total of 240 food stalls were set up offering items at minimal charges. About 35,000 personnel, including 25,000 Ijtema volunteers and 5,000 municipal, administrative, and police staff, managed sanitation, traffic, water supply, security, and food arrangements. Fire brigade teams remained on 24-hour standby.

The Ijtema is being held at Eintkhedi, roughly 12 km from Bhopal’s outskirts. The main pavilion spans 120 acres, parking covers 350 acres, and the total Ijtema site extends over nearly 600 acres, accommodating the massive crowd comfortably.

While the main venue has been managed efficiently, the old Ijtema stretch from Taj-ul-Masajid to Royal Market experienced severe gridlock due to encroaching shops and stalls. Emergency vehicles and commuters faced difficulties despite the deployment of volunteers and police along approach roads.

Roads from Karond intersection to Eintkhedi resembled a continuous procession of devotees, many staying overnight for the concluding events. Organisers confirmed that over 2,000 groups would disperse across the country after the Ijtema, reflecting the enormous coordination required for the event.

Following the recent Delhi blast, security has been significantly tightened. Both the management committee and police forces are actively overseeing the site. Volunteers have also been assisting with traffic, medical services, and transportation infrastructure throughout the week.