8 lakh Muslim devotees attend Ijtima

Barmani, MP, Oct 27 (UNI) About eight lakh devotees, including 410 foreigners arrived here from 36 countries, offered their special prayers 'dua' for world peace today the last day of biggest Muslim congregation in India -- Ijtima.

''The three-day Ijtima festivities have been concluded with all enthusiasm in the state capital ,'' Ijtima Organising Committee Chairman Ariq-ul-Islam told UNI over telephone today, adding that Ijtima means gathering and it is observed to teach people to tread on the path of Allah.

He said that on first day prayer 'Fajr' was offered by the lakhs of devotees at the venue city outskirts Eintkhedi area while on second day mass marriages were solemnised between 300 couples.

Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, State Congress Committee President Suresh Pachori, Bhopal Mayor Suni Sood and other dignatories took part at second day of Ijtima.

''About 250 jamats were arrived here,'' he said, adding that the committee received full cooperation from the police, public and government.

Devotees from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran and other countries, besides all over India had arrived at the congregation venue.

Notwithstanding the water crisis in the state capital due to scanty rains, about 22 lakh litre was being provided at the congregation venue daily. Huge tents have been erected for the stay of the pilgrims, who were also being assisted by several local volunteers.

Tight security arrangements with the deployment of 800 policemen and 25 senior officers have been made for the event.

UNI KV 1700