Over 300 Tazias, Muharram procession route diverted due to metro line construction

While bamboos have been fixed to block the internal roads leading to the Raj Marg to prevent vehicle entry, the normal traffic has also been diverted to other roads.

The Tazia committee had set up their office in the Muragwan area, where the Tazia makers received their tokens and a stage has been made at Bhagal cross road, police said.

“On Wednesday afternoon, Tazias from different parts of the city will assemble at Zampa Bazaar and will start the journey towards Bhagal cross road,” Surat city Tazia committee president Arshad Kalyani told The Indian Express.

The invited dignitaries include mayor Daxesh Mawani, MP Mukesh Dalal, police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, Hindu Milan Temple head priest, president of Ganesh Utsav Samithi, along with other temple priests and muslim community priests, Kalyani said.

“The dignitaries will award the top ten Tazias,” the Tazia committee president said, adding that over 350 tazias have received the permit with few more coming up.

“The Metro Railway work is in progress in Chowk Bazaar area, so we have diverted the procession route from Bhagatalao, bypassing Chowk Bazaar area that will reach Mughlisara and later end at Hodi bunglow near Katargam,” he said. With lakhs of Muslims participating in the procession, 1700 volunteers will guide the Tazias and help clear the traffic, he said.

Stating that police have been assigned at different locations, Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut told The Indian Express, “Strict vigil will be kept on those who want to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the city.” The citizens have been asked “to maintain peace and harmony in the festival”.