Eid Milad fervour touches new highs

Preparations for the celebration of Eid Miladul Nabi have reached their zenith in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

As the occasion approaches, residents are gearing up for the festivities with great enthusiasm, leading to a significant increase in demand for special white attire.

This surge in popularity has resulted in a shortage of white clothes in the market, prompting cloth stores to place urgent orders for additional white fabrics. Tailors are working overtime to meet the demand, leading to a rise in tailoring costs. The price of tailoring a shalwar kameez suit has increased by Rs1,700, while a matching vest now costs Rs700 more. Members of Milad Committees are also preparing by sewing identical suits and waistcoats for all their fellow members.

In addition to attire, the celebration's catering demands have also seen a rise in costs. Food shops providing catering services have adjusted their prices. Chickpea pulao is now priced at Rs10,000 per daig, vegetable pulao at Rs11,000, chicken pulao at Rs16,500, biryani at Rs18,000, mutton pulao at Rs27,000, and beef pulao at Rs25,500.

Despite these price increases, citizens are placing record orders for langar, with cooking scheduled to begin the night before Milad. Mosques, Central Milad Committees, and Darbars are actively preparing, ensuring that langar preparation is in full swing.

As part of the city's preparations, mosques, Imam Bargahs, commercial centers, markets, and both government and private buildings are being adorned with vibrant flags and electric lamps. The decoration process is expected to be completed by Sunday night.

With the arrival of Rabiul Awwal, the air is filled with the recitation of Durood Pak at mosques, Imam Bargahs, and Milad Committee offices.

Extensive arrangements are being made to facilitate participation in the Jashan Milad processions. The district administration has put in place stringent security measures for both central Milad processions within the city and in the cantonment areas.

Installation of 500 closed-circuit cameras along the procession routes has commenced and is anticipated to be completed by Sunday night.

Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema and Central Milad Committee Chairman Chaudhry Aleem Arain have announced that heavy vehicles will be banned from entering procession routes.

The carrying and displaying of weapons, as well as the use of bullock carts, donkey carts, and camel carts, will be strictly prohibited. Only dafli (a type of drum) will be permitted for reciting naats, and flags of political parties along with political slogans will be banned from the processions.