Patna, March 21: On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited several Sufi shrines (khanqahs) across Patna, offering prayers for communal harmony, peace, and prosperity. His visits underscored the spirit of brotherhood and unity, aligning with his ongoing commitment to fostering social inclusivity.
The Chief Minister’s journey began at Khanqah Mujibiya in Phulwari Sharif, where he met the Sajjada Nashin Syed Shah Ayatullah Qadri. Kumar sought the blessings of Qadri and extended heartfelt Eid greetings to the gathered devotees. He then moved on to Khanqah-e-Munemia in Patna City, where he met Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmed Munami. Together, they offered prayers for the well-being of Bihar and its people.
Kumar also visited Khanqah Bargah-e-Ishq, where he greeted Sajjada Nashin Syed Shah Khwaja Amir Shahid and interacted with devotees. The Chief Minister participated in traditional Eid offerings, including sewai and dry fruits, reflecting a personal connection to the festive occasion.
These visits to prominent Sufi shrines emphasized the importance of unity and peace, with prayers being offered for the state’s progress and prosperity. Despite the festive atmosphere, however, there was noticeable attention around Kumar's absence from the annual Eid prayers at Gandhi Maidan, a place he has attended almost every year since assuming office in 2005.
This year, his son, Nishant Kumar, attended the gathering in his place, under heavy security arrangements. His presence at Gandhi Maidan sparked political speculation, with some viewing it as a possible signal of a shift in the political landscape of Bihar.
During the visits, the Chief Minister was accompanied by several prominent figures, including Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, MLA Shyam Rajak, MLC Sanjay Kumar Singh, District Magistrate Tyagarajan S.M., and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma.
While the festival remained one of devotion and harmony, the Chief Minister’s absence from Gandhi Maidan and the significance of Nishant Kumar’s participation have brought a new political dimension to this year’s Eid celebrations in Bihar.
