Even as the echoes of the recent mass recitation of the Gita at Brigade Parade Ground linger, West Bengal is preparing for another mega religious congregation. After a gap of 34 years, the World Ijtema — one of the largest Islamic religious gatherings globally — is set to be held in the state once again, early next year.
The international congregation will take place from January 2 to January 5 at Puinan-Pandua in the Dadpur area of Hooghly district. Organisers estimate that around 1.8 to 2 million devotees from India and abroad may attend the four-day event.
In view of the scale of the gathering, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chaired a high-level meeting at Nabanna on Monday to review preparedness and coordination among departments. State ministers Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan, Siddiqullah Chowdhury and Arup Biswas were present at the meeting, along with several prominent imams and senior administrative and police officials.
According to sources, the Chief Minister directed all levels of the administration to ensure that law and order are maintained and that no disruption to peace is allowed during the event. Emphasising hospitality, she said devotees should be treated as guests and provided with all necessary facilities.
The Hooghly district administration has been instructed to begin preparations on a “war footing.” Arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, electricity, healthcare services and food are being prioritised, given the expected turnout of nearly two million people. The deployment of a large number of volunteers for crowd management has also been planned, alongside enhanced police surveillance.
The fire and emergency services have been asked to remain on high alert to handle contingencies ranging from traffic congestion to fire hazards. The cyber cell has also been instructed to closely monitor social media to prevent the spread of rumours or misinformation, particularly from external elements.
The World Ijtema, organised by the Tablighi Jamaat, is regarded as one of the largest annual Muslim congregations in the world. Researchers note that, much like the Hajj or the Kumbh Mela, the Ijtema plays a significant role in reinforcing a sense of brotherhood and the idea of the global Muslim community, or Ummah.
The last World Ijtema in West Bengal was held in 1991. With its return after more than three decades, anticipation around the event is high. Administrative sources also point out that the 2026 Assembly elections are approaching, making the maintenance of law and order and the confidence of minority communities politically significant for the ruling party.
In this context, the Chief Minister has reiterated a “zero tolerance” approach towards any attempt at incitement or unrest. The state government, she said, is committed to ensuring that the international religious gathering is conducted peacefully and successfully, showcasing Bengal’s capacity to host large-scale events with harmony and discipline.
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