Namaaz at Jama Masjid

I had been to Jama Masjid to attend the namaaz on Eid this month. We got down at Chawri Bazaar metro station which is about 750 meters away from the mosque. The area had crazy crowd and vendors screaming at the top of their voices trying to attract customers even at 7 am in the morning. The Chawri Bazaar area is popularly known for its whole sale markets and British times’ havelis (Bunglows) and other attractions.

As we reached we removed our footwear on the entrance stairs as instructed and carried them inside in our hands. Usually, visitors are not allowed in Jama Masjid during the prayer hours except for festivals. I was shocked to see thousands of people sitting in absolutely parallel lines in complete silence. Everything went on very systematically and there was no chaos despite of the number of people present. Towards the end there was a loud banging sound which was the signal that the namaaz is over. People stood up and hugged each other saying 'Eid Mubaarak' (Happy Eid) and everyone left in lines thereafter.

As we talk about its structure there are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by two tall minarets which are open for the public to visit. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshipers and the courtyard can accommodate more than twenty five thousand people at a time. The mosque allover is very calm and serene.