Eid-ul-Fitre and Eid-ul-Adha are the two most important Islamic festivals. Muslims start the day with special prayers and congregations are held in mosques or open spaces around the country. An Eidgah is a large open-air enclosure designated for Eid prayers.  

Shahi Eidgah a historical Mughal-era Eidgah in the heart of Sylhet city. The Eidgah was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the latter part of 17th Century. It is one of the oldest Eidgahs in Bangladesh. More than 100,000 people can say their Eid prayers together at this place.

The Shahi Eidgah is located on top of a hill. The turreted walls around the Eidgah give it the appearance of a grand fort from the outside. The Eidgah has a large mihrab (niche) in the centre of the wall which indicates the direction of the Qibla. There are smaller mihrabs on either side of the central mihrab. There are many minars (towers) around the field. The shape of the minars is half-dome.

There is a water reservoir which is used for ablutions. The Eidgah has three gates with beautiful stands, giving a fantastic look to the place. People can enter the ground from these gates. A few years ago, the main gateway of the Eidgah was rebuilt to ensure safety and security of the place.

Shahi Eidgah is a popular tourist attraction in Sylhet. Every year, thousands of people visit the spot.

References: Muslim Architecture in Bengal, AH Dani, Asiatic Society, 1961; History of Hazrat Shahjalal and Sylhet, Syed Murtaza Ali, Bangla Academy, 1965; Muslim Monuments of Bangladesh, Dr Syed Mahmudul Hasan, Islamic Foundation, 1980.

Photos: Writer.